Automated boat lift and trolley

ABSTRACT

An automated system is provided for moving a boat from a storage position in a boat garage to a deployed position in a dock channel. The system can include a boat trolley. The boat trolley can include a frame that couples to and rides on rails of a track that extends between the boat garage and the dock channel. The boat trolley can also include bunker supports for supporting the hull of the boat. A dock lift mechanism can lower the trolley frame into the water, from which the boat can be deployed. Once done using the boat, the user can navigate the boat onto the trolley frame, and the dock lift mechanism used to lift the trolley frame and boat out of the water, and the boat trolley operated to move the boat from the dock to the boat garage for storage.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claimis identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the presentapplication are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.

BACKGROUND Field

The present invention is directed to a boat lift and trolley assembly,and more particularly to an automated boat lift and trolley assemblywith integrated electronic control and sensor system for moving a boatbetween a boat garage and a dock channel.

Description of the Related Art

Boat lift assemblies exist. However, there is a need for an automatedsystem and method for moving a boat between a boat garage for storageand a dock channel.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, an automated system isprovided for moving a boat from a storage position in a boat garage to adeployed position in a dock channel.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a method forautomated movement of a boat lift and trolley is provided for movementof a boat between a storage position in a boat garage to a deployedposition in a dock channel.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an automated boatlift and trolley system for moving a boat from a boat garage and a dockis provided. The system comprises a track comprising a pair of rails,the track configured to run from a proximal end within a boat garage anda distal end at a dock, the pair of rails disposed beside a dock channelon the dock. The system also comprises a boat trolley configured tosupport a boat thereon, the boat trolley having a set of wheels thatmovably couple the trolley to the pair of rails of the track. The systemalso comprises a lift assembly disposed at the dock, the lift assemblyoperable to lift the boat off the trolley, and to lower the boat intowater through the boat channel. The system also comprises one or moresensors configured to sense one or both of a position of at least aportion of the boat trolley and an operation position of the liftassembly. The system also comprises a controller configured to controloperation of the boat trolley to move along the track, and to controlthe lift assembly to lower the boat into the water based at least inpart on the sensed information communicated by the one or more sensorsto the controller.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an automated boattrolley system for moving a boat from a boat garage and a dock isprovided. The system comprises a lower frame having a set of wheelsconfigured to movably couple the lower frame a track. The system alsocomprises an upper frame comprising at least two support bunkersconfigured to contact and support a hull of the boat thereon, the upperframe having one or more support beams removably coupleable to the lowerframe and configured to be lifted off of the lower frame by a liftassembly at a dock. The lower frame comprises one or more delrin guidesconfigured to receive the support beams of the upper frame therein, thedelrin guides tapering outward to facilitate coupling of the upper frameto the lower frame, the outward taper configured to guide the beams ofthe upper frame into alignment with support beams of the lower frame.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an automated boatlift and trolley system for moving a boat between a boat garage and adock is provided. The system comprises a track comprising a pair oftrack rails, the track configured to run from a proximal end within aboat garage and a distal end proximate a dock. The system also comprisesa boat trolley configured to support a boat thereon, the boat trolleyhaving a set of wheels that movably couple the trolley to the pair oftrack rails. The system also comprises a lift assembly disposed at thedock. The lift assembly comprises a platform spaced from the distal endof the track, the platform having a pair of platform rails onto whichthe boat trolley is moved from the track rails. The lift assembly isoperable to lower the platform with the boat trolley and boat thereon toa lowered position to facilitate removal of the boat from the boattrolley for use. The lift assembly is operable to raise the platformwith the boat trolley and boat thereon to a raised position, the pair ofplatform rails being substantially aligned with the pair of track railswhen the platform is in the raised position to facilitate movement ofthe boat trolley between the platform and the track. The system alsocomprises a drive assembly as least partially disposed in the garage andconfigured to drive the movement of the boat trolley along the track andbetween the track and the platform. The system also comprises acontroller at least partially disposed in the garage. The controller isconfigured to automatically control operation of the drive assembly tomove the boat trolley along the track between the track and theplatform, and to control the lift assembly to lower the boat trolleywith the boat thereon to the lowered position based at least in part onthe sensed information communicated by one or more sensors to thecontroller.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an automated boatlift and trolley system for moving a boat between a boat garage and adock is provided. The system comprises a track comprising a pair oftrack rails, the track configured to run from a proximal end within aboat garage and a distal end proximate a dock. The system also comprisesa boat trolley configured to support a boat thereon, the boat trolleyhaving a set of wheels that movably couple the trolley to the pair oftrack rails. The system also comprises a drive assembly as leastpartially disposed in the garage and configured to drive the movement ofthe boat trolley along the track and between the track and a dock. Thesystem also comprises a controller at least partially disposed in thegarage, the controller configured to automatically control operation ofthe drive assembly to move the boat trolley along the track between thetrack and the dock.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an automated boat liftand trolley assembly;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the boat lift and trolley assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A is another top view of the boat lift and trolley assembly ofFIG. 1, without the boat;

FIG. 2B is a side view of the boat lift and trolley assembly of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 is a side view of boat lift and trolley assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is a front view of the boat lift and trolley assembly of FIG.2A, without the boat;

FIG. 4B is a front view of the boat lift and trolley assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the boat lift and trolley assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a boat lift and trolley assembly;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the boat lift and trolley assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the boat lift and trolley assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a perspective top view of a trolley assembly;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a trolleyassembly;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a lower frame of the trolley assemblyof FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a partial view of the lower frame of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an upper frame of the trolley assemblyof FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a partial view of the trolley assembly of FIG. 10 on a trackwith the boat disposed on the trolley;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the trolley assembly of FIG. 10 with aboat disposed thereon;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the trolley assembly of FIG. 10 on atrack and with a boat disposed on the trolley;

FIG. 17 is a schematic view of an automatic boat lift and trolley thattravels between a boat garage and a platform lift, showing the boat inthe boat garage;

FIG. 18 is a schematic view of the automatic boat lift and trolley ofFIG. 17, showing the boat on the track between the boat garage andplatform lift;

FIG. 19 is a schematic view of the automatic boat lift and trolley ofFIG. 17 showing the boat on the platform lift;

FIG. 20A is a perspective schematic view of the automatic boat lift andtrolley, showing the boat on the platform lift;

FIG. 20B is a schematic partial view of the transition from the track tothe platform, in a locked configuration;

FIG. 20C is a schematic partial view of the transition from the track tothe platform, in an unlocked configuration;

FIG. 21 shows a schematic partial view of the automatic boat lift andtrolley showing the boat on the platform lift with the platform lift inthe lowered position;

FIG. 21A is a schematic partial view of the platform lift in the loweredposition;

FIG. 22 is a schematic perspective partial view of the trolley on thetrack, the trolley supporting a boat thereon;

FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective partial view of the drive assembly ofthe automatic boat lift and trolley with the trolley and boat on theplatform lift;

FIG. 23A is a schematic perspective partial view of a portion of thedrive assembly for the trolley;

FIG. 23B is a schematic perspective partial view of another portion ofthe drive assembly for the trolley;

FIG. 23C is a schematic perspective partial view of another portion ofthe drive assembly for the trolley;

FIG. 24A is a schematic partial perspective view of a mule of the driveassembly for the trolley, showing a grabber armlet of the mule coupledto a wheel set of the trolley;

FIG. 24B is another schematic perspective view of the mule of the driveassembly for the trolley, showing a grabber armlet of the mule in adisengaged position relative to a wheel set of the trolley;

FIG. 24C is another schematic perspective partial view of the mule ofthe drive assembly for the trolley, showing a grabber armlet of the mulein a disengaged position relative to a wheel set of the trolley;

FIG. 24D is another schematic perspective partial view of the mule ofthe drive assembly for the trolley, showing a grabber armlet of the mulecoupled to a wheel set of the trolley;

FIG. 24E is another schematic perspective partial view of the mule ofthe drive assembly for the trolley, showing the mule coupled to a wheelset of the trolley;

FIG. 24F is another schematic perspective partial view of the automaticboat lift and trolley with the trolley and boat on the platform lift;

FIG. 24G is a schematic perspective partial view of a portion of theautomatic boat lift and trolley, showing sensors of the system;

FIG. 25 is a schematic perspective partial view of the automatic boatlift and trolley, showing certain electronic components of the system;

FIG. 25A is a schematic perspective partial view of a portion of theelectronics system of the automatic boat lift and trolley system;

FIG. 25B is a schematic perspective partial view of another portion ofthe electronics system of the automatic boat lift and trolley system;

FIG. 25C is a schematic perspective partial view of another portion ofthe electronics system of the automatic boat lift and trolley system;

FIG. 25D is a schematic perspective partial view of another portion ofthe electronics system of the automatic boat lift and trolley system;

FIG. 25E is a schematic perspective partial view of another portion ofthe electronics system of the automatic boat lift and trolley system;

FIG. 26 is a schematic perspective partial view of a portion of theautomatic boat lift and trolley system;

FIG. 26A is a schematic perspective partial view of another portion ofthe electronics system of the automatic boat lift and trolley system;

FIG. 26B is a schematic perspective partial view of another portion ofthe electronics system of the automatic boat lift and trolley system;

FIG. 27 is a schematic block diagram showing a control module for theboat lift and trolley assembly;

FIG. 28A is a schematic view of an example remote control device andinterface;

FIG. 28B is a schematic view of an example screen on an interface of theremote control device;

FIG. 28C is a schematic view of an example screen on an interface of theremote control device;

FIGS. 29A and 29B illustrate an example process for deploying boat fromthe garage; and

FIG. 30 illustrates an example process for returning a boat to thegarage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-5 show an embodiment of a boat lift and trolley system 100(hereafter “the system”). The system 100 includes a trolley 10 having aplurality of wheels and a frame on which a boat B can be removablysupported. In one embodiment, the trolley 10 frame can be welded andmade of aluminum, though other suitable metals or other suitablematerials can be used. The trolley 10 frame can have a plurality ofadjustable support pads 16 (see FIG. 9) to support a variety ofdifferent boat B hull profiles.

The trolley can travel along a track 20 that extends between a first end22 and a second end 24 so that the track 20 extends between a boatgarage G and a dock channel D. The track 20 can have a width W1. Thedock channel D can have an opening with a width W2 that is at least aswide as width W1. The boat garage G can have a length L1 that is longerthan a length of the boat B. The dock channel D can have a length L2that is at least as long as the boat B. A height H of the track 20 froma top of the sea wall can be between about 4 inches and about 12 inches,for example about 6 inches. In one embodiment, the length L1 can bebetween about 30 feet and about 60 feet, for example about 40 feet andthe length L2 can be between about 20 feet and about 50 feet, forexample about 25 feet. The width W1 can be between about 15 feet andabout 30 feet, for example about 19 feet. However, other suitabledimensions for the length L1, length L2 and width W1 can be used.

In the illustrated embodiment, the track 20 extends linearly between thefirst end 22 and the second end 24. The trolley 10 can travel along alength L3 from the boat garage G to the dock channel D. In anotherembodiment, at least a portion of the track 20 can have a curved portion(e.g., where needed to accommodate the spatial relationship between theboat garage G and the dock channel D).

A sling assembly 30 can include a plurality of posts 32. In theillustrated embodiment, two pairs of posts 32 are on opposites sides ofthe opening of the dock channel D. However, the sling assembly 30 caninclude additional pairs of posts 32. The sling assembly 30 can includea sling that extends between each pair of posts 32 and across theopening of the dock channel D.

The system 100 further comprises a drive assembly, including a motor Msee FIG. 2A) (e.g., electric motor, such as a single point robust motordrive) that drives movement of the trolley 10 along the track 20 betweenthe proximal end 22 and the distal end 24. In one embodiment, the motorM can operate a chain drive, such as a stainless steel chain drive, thatis attached to the trolley 10 (e.g., to one or more wheels of thetrolley 10). In one embodiment, the track drive can be located in theboat garage G. In one implementation, the motor M is mounted to thetrack 20. In another implementation, the motor M is mounted adjacent thetrack 20. In one implementation, the motor M can be an electric motor.In another implementation, the motor can be a hydraulic motor.

Though FIGS. 2A-2B and 4A show various dimensions for various componentsof the assembly 100, one of skill in the art will recognize that thevarious components of the assembly 100 can have other suitabledimensions.

FIGS. 6-8 show another embodiment of a boat lift and trolley system 200(hereinafter “the system”). The system 200 is similar to the system 100shown in FIGS. 1-5, except as noted below. Thus, the reference numeralsused to designate the various components of the system 200 are identicalto those used for identifying the corresponding components of the system100 in FIGS. 1-5 and the description for the various components of thesystem 100 shown in FIGS. 1-5 is understood to apply to thecorresponding components of the system 200 in FIGS. 6-8, except asdescribed below.

The system 200 differs from the system 100 only in that at least aportion of the track 20 has a curved portion 21 between the dock channelD and the boat garage G. As best shown in FIG. 7, the curved portion 21can have an outer rail with a first radius of curvature R1 and an innerrail with a second radius of curvature R2. In some embodiments, radiusof curvature R2 can be less that the radius of curvature R1. ThoughFIGS. 7-8 show various dimensions for various components of the system200, one of skill in the art will recognize that the various componentsof the system 200 can have other suitable dimensions.

FIG. 9 shows one embodiment of a trolley 10 for use with the system 100,200. The trolley 10 can be made of metal, such as aluminium or steel. Inone embodiment, the trolley 10 can be rated to hold a boat B weighing26000 lbs or more. The trolley 10 can have a pair of side rails 11, eachof which is coupled to a plurality of wheels 12 (e.g., Delrin wheels)that can ride on the track 20. In the illustrated embodiment, each siderail 11 is coupled to or supports three sets of wheels 12. The trolley10 can include a frame 14 that extends between the pair of rails 11 anddefines a channel 18 along a longitudinal axis of the trolley 10. Thetrolley 10 also has a plurality of support pads 16 for supporting thehull of the boat B. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality ofsupport pads 16 are arranged in two rows on each side of the channel 18.The support pads 16 can advantageously be adjustable (e.g., in height,in angular orientation) to allow them to be adjusted to fit varying hullprofiles. In the illustrated embodiment, the trolley 10 has six supportpads 16 arranged in three pairs about the channel 18. The trolley 10also defines a channel 19 between each two pairs of support pads 16 in adirection transverse to the longitudinal axis of the trolley 10. Saidchannel 19 allows for the slings 34 to easily be passed under the hullportion between said two pairs of support pads 16 to couple the slings34 to the posts 32 when the boat B is to be lowered into the dockchannel D, or to decouple the slings 34 from the posts 32 when the boatB has been lifted out of the water and onto the trolley 10 and is readyto be moved to the boat garage G.

The trolley 10 can have one or more proximity sensors S1 that can bedisposed on one or more of the wheel assemblies 12 (e.g., a wheelassembly 12 on a proximal end of the trolley 10, a wheel assembly 12 ona distal end of the trolley 10). The proximity sensor(s) S1 can sense anobstruction (e.g., on the track 20) and communicate (wirelessly) withthe controller EM (in the garage G, such as on a wall of the garage G),which can stop the movement of the trolley 10, as further discussedbelow, if an obstruction is sensed.

FIGS. 10-16 show another embodiment of a boat trolley assembly 10B. Theboat trolley assembly 10B is similar to the boat trolley assembly 10shown in FIGS. 1-9, except as noted below. Thus, the reference numeralsused to designate the various components of the boat trolley assembly10B are similar to those used for identifying the correspondingcomponents of the boat trolley assembly 10 in FIGS. 1-9 and thedescription for the various components of the boat trolley assembly 10shown in FIGS. 1-9 is understood to apply to the correspondingcomponents of the boat trolley assembly 10B in FIGS. 10-16, except asdescribed below.

The boat trolley assembly 10B includes a lower frame 11B and an upperframe 15B removably disposed on and coupled to the lower frame 11B. Thelower frame 11B is supported on a set of wheel assemblies 12B (e.g.,Delrin wheels) that couple to rails of the track 20. As best shown inFIG. 14, the wheel assemblies 12B can extend over an I-beam portion ofthe rails of the track 20 to couple to the track 20.

The lower frame 11B can have support beams 11B1, 11B2 that extendbetween and couple (e.g., with bolts, welds, etc.) to the set of wheelassemblies 12B. Additionally, the lower frame 11B can have cross-beams11B5 that extend between the wheel assemblies 12B in a diagonal mannerand can couple to the support beams 11B1, 11B2 (e.g., with bolts, welds,etc.).

The lower frame 11B can also have a set of angled delrin guides 11B3coupled to the beams 11B2 (e.g., with bolts, welds, etc.) that canreceive thereon a beam of the upper frame 15B to couple the upper frame15B to the lower frame 11B. In the illustrated embodiment, the lowerframe 11B has four delrin guides 11B3, one at each corner of the lowerframe 11B (e.g., proximate the wheel assemblies 12B). However, in otherembodiments, the lower frame 11B can have fewer or more delrin guides11B3. The angled delrin guides 11B3 advantageously allow the upper frame15B to be positioned properly onto the lower frame 11B, the angled shapeof the delrin guides 11B3 allowing the upper frame 15B to achieve thecorrect position on the lower frame 11B even if the upper frame 15B isinitially misaligned relative to the lower frame 11B.

The lower frame 11B also have a plurality of supports (e.g., angledsupports) 11B4 (generally at the corners of the lower frame 11B, coupledsuch as with bolts or welds to the beams 11B2) configured to receivepick points of the upper frame 15B thereon, as discussed further below.

With reference to FIG. 13, the upper frame 15B can include a pair ofboat support bunkers 16B that extend between and are coupled (e.g., withbolts) to a pair of support beams 15B1, 15B2 (e.g., I-beams) by bracketassemblies 16B2 on either end of the boat support bunkers 16B. Thebracket assemblies 16B2 can couple to the support beams 15B1, 15B2(e.g., with bolts) at various locations along the length of the supportbeams 15B1, 15B2 via one or more bolt holes 15B4 in the support beams15B1, 15B2 (that receive bolts, clevis pins, etc.) to adjust a widthbetween the boat support bunkers 16B to advantageously accommodate avariety of boat hull sizes thereon. Additionally, angle adjustmentassemblies 16B3 can couple to the support beams 15B1, 15B2 (e.g., withbolts) and to the bracket assemblies 16B2 proximate the boat supportbunkers 16B at both ends of the boat support bunkers 16B. The angleadjustment assemblies 16B3 can be adjusted to adjust the angle between aplane defined by the boat support bunker 16B relative to a horizontalplane defined by the support beams 15B1, 15B2, to advantageouslyaccommodate boat hulls of different sizes and shapes (e.g., boat hullsthat are wider and extend at a lower angle towards the bottom of theboat, boat hulls that are narrower and extend at a steeper angle towardthe bottom of the boat). Accordingly, the user can adjust (e.g.,manually adjust) both the width between the support bunkers 16B and theangle of the support bunkers 16B and the horizontal plane defined by thesupport beams 15B1, 15B2, as described above, to ensure the supportbunkers 16B are adequately spaced and oriented to support the hull ofthe user's boat B.

The upper frame 15B can have a plurality of pick-up assemblies 15B3coupled to (e.g., bolted, welded, etc.) to ends of the support beams15B1, 15B2, from which the upper frame 15B can be raised off of thelower frame 11B, for example to then lower the upper frame 15B with theboat B supported thereon into the water at the end of the dock. In oneembodiment, the pick-up assemblies 15B3 can include a quick disconnectmember or a clevis pin that can be used to couple cable clevises from alift mechanism to the upper frame 15B (e.g., via holes in pick-upassemblies 15B3) at the dock to lift the upper frame 15B off the lowerframe 11B, after which the lower frame 11B can be moved out of the way(as discussed above) to allow the upper frame 15B to be lowered into thewater with the boat B thereon so that the boat B can then be navigatedin the water.

The upper frame 15B can also have a plurality of vertical guide poles18B that can serve to guide the operator of the boat B to navigate theboat B onto the upper frame 15B (e.g., in proper alignment) while it'ssubmerged and so that when the upper frame 15B is raised by the liftmechanism, the boat support bunkers 16B can engage and support thebottom of the hull of the boat B.

The lower frame 11B can have one or more proximity sensors S2 that cansignal whether the upper frame 15B is disposed more than a predetermineddistance above the lower frame 11B, to thereby allow a controller tomove the lower frame 11B out of the way before the upper frame 15B islowered into the water at the dock (via the lift mechanism). In oneembodiment, the proximity sensors S2 can be disposed on the delringuides 11B3. In another embodiment, the proximity sensors S2 can bedisposed on one or more of the support beams 11B1, 11B2 or cross-beams11B5.

The trolley 10B can have one or more proximity sensors S3 that can bedisposed on one or more of the wheel assemblies 12B (e.g., a wheelassembly 12B on a proximal end of the trolley 10B, a wheel assembly 12Bon a distal end of the trolley 10B). The proximity sensor(s) S3 cansense an obstruction (e.g., on the track 20) and communicate(wirelessly) with the controller EM (in the garage G, such as on a wallof the garage G), which can stop the movement of the trolley 10B, asfurther discussed below, if an obstruction is sensed.

Additionally, the posts or pilings 32 of the dock can have one or moresensor clips mounted thereon that can prevent the trolley 10B frommoving (e.g., that can communicate a signal to a controller to preventthe trolley 10B from moving) unless the sensor clips are coupled to liftcable clevises (e.g., that have been decoupled from the pickupassemblies 15B3 of the upper frame 15B), which would also deactivate theboat lift mechanism. Advantageously, this would prevent the trolley 10Bfrom moving away from the dock while the cables of the lift mechanismwere attached to the upper frame 15B, avoiding damage to the dock orlift mechanism. In other embodiments, one or more sensors (e.g., weightsensors on the trolley 10B or sensors on the lift mechanism LM) cansense when the upper frame 15B has been lifted off the lower frame 11Bby a predetermined amount to allow the lower frame 11B to be moved outof the dock D to allow the upper frame 15B and boat B to be lowered intothe water through the dock channel.

With reference to FIGS. 14 and 16, the track 20 can have a gap TGbetween a first section 21A and a second section 21B of the track 20 anda spacer member 23 that extends along the gap TG between the first andsecond sections 21A, 21B. In one embodiment, the gap TG can be definedat the location where the garage door GD closes off the boat garage G toallow the garage door GD to close the garage G (e.g., for the garagedoor GD to bear against the spacer member 23) so as to inhibit entry ofdebris (e.g., leaves, dirt) and vermin or insects into the garage G. Thewheel assemblies 12, 12B advantageously can span the gap TG so that thegap TG does not inhibit the movement of the trolley 10, 10B over the gapTG while it moves from the first section 21A to the second section 21Bof the track 20. The spacer member 23 has a first groove 23A on one sideof the track 20 and a second groove 23B on an opposite side of the track20, where the grooves 23A, 23B can receive a chain drive (not shown) ofthe drive mechanism when the chain de-tensions (e.g., once the trolley10, 10B is in the boat garage G and has stopped moving).

The trolley assembly 10B can be made of a suitable metal (e.g., rustresistant metal, such as aluminium or stainless steel). In oneembodiment, the boat support bunkers 16B can be made from wood. However,other suitable materials can be used. In one embodiment, the trolleyassembly 10B can have a weight rating of 10,000 pounds. However, inother embodiments, the trolley assembly 10B can support boats B weighingless than or more than this.

FIGS. 17-26B schematically illustrate a boat lift and trolley system 300(hereinafter “the system”). The system 200 is similar to the system 100in FIGS. 1-5 and the system 200 in FIGS. 6-8, except as described below.Therefore, reference numerals used to designate the various componentsof the system 300 are identical to those used for identifying thecorresponding components of the system 100 in FIGS. 1-5 or system 200 inFIGS. 6-8. Thus, the structure and description for the various featuresor components of the system 100 in FIGS. 1-5 and of the system 200 inFIGS. 6-8 are understood to also apply to the corresponding features orcomponents of the system 300 in FIGS. 17-26B, except as described below.

The system 300 differs from the system 100, 200 in that it includes aplatform lift mechanism 30′. The platform lift mechanism 30′ can includea platform 34′ that supports a pair or rails 20A′, 20B′ (“platformrails”) thereon. The platform 34′ can include a frame that supports therails 20A′, 20B′. The rails 20A′, 20B′ can substantially align with therails 20A, 20B of the track 20 to allow the boat trolley 10, 10B, 10C totravel from the track 20 onto the platform 34′ with the boat B thereon.The platform 34′ can be moved (e.g., via a hydraulic mechanism) betweena raised state (see FIG. 20A) where the rails 20A′, 20B′ of the platform34′ substantially align with the rails 20A, 20B of the track 20, and alowered state (see FIG. 21, 21A) where the platform 34′ is lowered fromthe dock to underwater position to allow the boat B to be removed fromthe trolley 10, 10B, 10C. The platform 34′ advantageously has a lowprofile and excludes the need for any above dock hardware (e.g., such asposts 32 or slings 34). The trolley 10, 10B, 10C remains on the platform34′ as it moves between the lowered and raised state. As furtherdiscussed below, the platform lift mechanism 30′ includes a driveassembly M′ operable to move the trolley 10, 10B, 10C onto, as well asoff, the platform 34′.

The platform lift mechanism 30′ of FIGS. 17-26B can have one or moresensors S8, S8A (see FIGS. 24F-24G) that sense the position of theplatform 34′ to determine if it's in a lowered position or in a raisedposition. The sensor(s) S8, S8A can optionally be powered by low voltageline power that powers the motor M′ on the platform lift mechanism 30′,said low voltage line power carried via a conduit to the sensor(s) S8,S8A. In one implementation, if the platform 34′ is in the raisedposition with the trolley 10, 10B, 10C (with boat B) on it, thecontroller EM (in the garage G) will optionally actuate the hydraulicsof the lift mechanism 30′ in the up mode to ensure the platform 34′ isfully raised. Once a signal from the sensor(s) S8, S8A confirm theplatform 34′ is fully raised and/or signal from the sensor(s) S7 confirmthe platform 34′ is aligned with the track 20, the mule 50′ can move thetrolley 10, 10B, 10C from the platform 34′ onto the track 20, as furtherdiscussed below.

FIG. 17 shows the boat B in the boat garage G. Though not shown in thedrawing, the boat B is disposed on a trolley, such as the trolley 10,10B, 10C. FIG. 18 shows the boat B (while on the trolley 10, 10B, 10C)on the track 20 at a location between the boat garage G and the platform34′. FIG. 19 shows the boat B (while on the trolley 10, 10B, 10C) on theplatform 34′. FIGS. 21-21A show the platform 34′ in the lowered staterelative to the track 20 to position the trolley 10, 10B, 10C underwaterto allow the boat B to be removed from over the trolley 10, 10B, 10C.

With reference to FIGS. 20A-20C, in one implementation the system 300can include a locking mechanism 40 actuatable to lock and unlock thetrack 20 relative to the platform 34′ to substantially couple anddecouple the track 20 to the platform 34′. The locking mechanism 40 caninclude one or more locking pins 42 and one or more actuators 44. In theimplementation shown in FIGS. 20A-20C, the locking mechanism 40 includesa pair of pins 42, one of the pins 42 actuatable to interconnect therail 20A of the track 20 with the rail 20A′ on the platform 34′ and theother of the pins 42 actuatable to interconnect the rail 20B of thetrack 20 with the rail 20B′ on the platform 34′. In one implementation,one or more sensors S7 (e.g., proximity sensors) are operable to sensealignment between the rails 20A, 20B of the track 20 and the rails 20A′,20B′ on the platform 34′ to allow the actuator(s) 44 to move the pin(s)42 to the extended position to interlock the track 20 with the platform34′. The sensor(s) S7 can optionally be mounted to a portion of thetrack 20 near the gap 46, such as mounted to a flange (not shown)attached to the track 20 or the actuator 44. The sensor(s) S7 canoptionally be powered with line power from the controller EM (located inthe garage G). Alternatively, the sensor(s) S7 can optionally be mountedon the platform 34′ and powered by low voltage line power that powersthe motor M′ on the platform lift mechanism 30′, said low voltage linepower carried via a conduit to the sensor(s) S7.

With continued reference to FIGS. 20A-20C, the one or more actuators 44can be hydraulic actuators operable to move the locking pins 42 betweenan extended position (see FIG. 20B), where the locking pins 42 engageportions of the rails 20A, 20B on the track 20 and rails 20A′, 20B′ onthe platform 34′, and a retracted position (see FIG. 20C), where thelocking pins 42 do not interlock the rails 20A, 20B of the track 20 withthe rails 20A′, 20B′ on the platform 34′. In another implementation, theone or more actuators 44 can be pneumatic actuators. In still anotherimplementation, the one or more actuators 44 can be electric motors.

As shown in FIGS. 20A-20C, the locking pins 42 can extend throughopenings in flanges 21A1′, 21A2′ attached to the rails 20A, 20B of thetrack 20 and through openings in flanges 21B1′, 21B2′ attached to therails 20A′, 20B′ on the platform 34′ to interlock (e.g., substantiallyrigidly couple) and substantially align the rails 20A, 20B of the track20 with the rails 20A′, 20B′ on the platform 34′. The ends of the rails20A, 20B are spaced from the rails 20A′, 20B′ by a distance 46.Advantageously, interlocking of the rails 20A, 20B of the track 20 withthe rails 20A′, 20B′ on the platform 34′ inhibits (e.g., prevents)misalignment of the platform 34′ with the track 20 to facilitatemovement of the trolley 10, 10B, 10C over the rails 20A, 20B, 20A′,20B′. Additionally, one or more sensors S9 (e.g., contact sensors,pressure sensors, load sensors) can detect when the pin(s) 42 have beenfully extended to confirm the platform 34′ is engaged with the track 20.

Once the trolley 10, 10B, 10C has moved from the track 20 onto theplatform 34′, a stop tab (e.g., hydraulic stop, pneumatic stop) 36′ canbe actuated to be moved relative to at least one of the rails 20A′, 20B′to inhibit (e.g., prevent) movement of the trolley 10, 10B, 10C alongthe rails 20A′, 20B′. One or more sensors S14 can confirm engagement ofthe stop tab 36′. The locking pin(s) 42 can then be retracted todisengage the platform 34′ from the track 20 and allow a user to use theplatform controls to lower the platform 34′ to a submerged position.

FIG. 22 schematically illustrates a trolley assembly 10C supporting aboat B on rails 20A, 20B of the track 20. The trolley assembly 10C issimilar to the trolley assembly 10 of FIG. 9, except as described below.Therefore, reference numerals used to designate the various componentsor features of the trolley assembly 10C are identical to those used foridentifying the corresponding components of the trolley assembly 10 inFIG. 9, except that a “C” is added to the numerical identifier. Thus,the structure and description for the various features or components ofthe trolley assembly 10 in FIG. 9 are understood to also apply to thecorresponding features or components of the trolley assembly 10C in FIG.22, except as described below.

The trolley assembly 10C can be an integral (e.g., single piecestructure) with four sets of wheels 12 (e.g., generally at the cornersof the trolley assembly 10C) and two support pads or bunkers 16Cattached to a frame 14C of the trolley assembly 10C and that can supportthe hull of the boat B thereon. The trolley assembly 10C isadvantageously made of corrosion resistant materials that allow thetrolley assembly 10C to be submerged in water (e.g., in salt water) whenthe platform 34′ is moved to the lowered state, and from which the boatB can be removed from on top of the trolley assembly 10C for use.

The trolley assembly 10C can have one or more proximity sensors S4 thatcan be disposed on one or more of the wheel assemblies 12C and one ormore proximity sensors S4′ that can be disposed on the frame 11C of theboat trolley 10C. The proximity sensor(s) S4, S4′ can sense anobstruction (e.g., on the track 20) and communicate (wirelessly) withthe controller EM (in the garage G, such as on a wall of the garage G),which can stop the movement of the trolley 10C, as further discussedbelow, if an obstruction is sensed.

FIGS. 23A-26B show features of a drive assembly 400 of the boat lift andtrolley system 100, 200, 300. The drive assembly 400 can include a chaindrive 60. The chain drive 60 can include a drive sprocket 62, which canengage an output shaft of the motor M (in the garage G), a driven ortail sprocket 66 located near the end of the track 20 (e.g., proximatethe gap 46 between the track 20 and the platform 34′), and a chain 64that extends between (and loops around) the drive sprocket 62 and thedriven or tail sprocket 66. The drive sprocket 62 can optionally belocated in the garage G. Optionally, the chain drive 60 can include oneor more chain idler rollers 65 that support the chain 64 between thesprockets 62, 66. The chain 64 can extend along a portion of a rail(e.g., portion of the rail 20B in FIG. 23B, 24A) and attach to a mule 50(e.g., via a connector 67) that is movably coupled to the rail 20B byone or more rollers or wheels 52. Therefore, operation of the motor M torotate the drive sprocket 62, which moves the chain 64 along the track20 causes the mule 50 to move along the track 20. In particular,operation of the motor M in one direction (e.g., to rotate the outputshaft clockwise) causes the drive sprocket 62 to rotate clockwise andthe chain 64 to move so that the mule 50 moves away from the drivesprocket 62. Similarly, operation of the motor M in an oppositedirection (e.g., to rotate the output shaft counter-clockwise) causesthe drive sprocket 62 to rotate counter-clockwise and the chain 64 tomove so that the mule 50 moves toward the drive sprocket 62.Accordingly, the mule 50 can move along the rail 20B from a location inthe garage G to a location proximate the end of the track 20 (e.g.,proximate the gap 46 between the track 20 and the platform 34′).

With reference to FIG. 23A, the platform lift mechanism 30′ can have adrive assembly 400′ that can include a chain drive 60′. The chain drive60′ can include a drive sprocket 62′, which can engage an output shaftof the motor M′ (on the platform 34′), a driven or tail sprocket 66′movably coupled to the rail 20B′, and a chain 64′ that extends between(and loops around) the drive sprocket 62′ and the driven or tailsprocket 66′. The drive sprocket 62′ can be located on the platform 34′.The chain 64′ can extend along a portion of a rail (e.g., portion of therail 20B′ of the platform 34′) and attach to a mule 50′ (via connector67′) that is movably coupled to the rail 20B′ by one or more rollers52′. Therefore, operation of the motor M′ to rotate the drive sprocket62′, which moves the chain 64′ along the rail 20B′ causes the mule 50′to move along the rail 20B′. In particular, operation of the motor M′ inone direction (e.g., to rotate the output shaft clockwise) causes thedrive sprocket 62′ to rotate clockwise and the chain 64′ to move so thatthe mule 50′ moves away from the drive sprocket 62′ (e.g., toward thefront of the platform 34′ near the track 20). Similarly, operation ofthe motor M′ in an opposite direction (e.g., to rotate the output shaftcounter-clockwise) causes the drive sprocket 62′ to rotatecounter-clockwise and the chain 64′ to move so that the mule 50′ movestoward the drive sprocket 62′ (e.g., toward the rear of the platform 34′away from the track 20). Accordingly, the mule 50′ can move along therail 20B′ from a location near the track 20 to a location further apartfrom the track 20.

The mule 50 that travels on the track 20 and the mule 50′ that travelson the platform 34′ (e.g., on the rail 20B′) can optionally have asimilar construction. The mule 50 can engage the trolley 10, 10B, 10C(e.g., engage a front portion of the trolley 10, 10B, 10C), as furtherdiscussed below, and move the trolley 10, 10B, 10C along the track 20(e.g., via actuation of the chain drive 60 in a forward direction) fromthe garage G toward the end of the track 20 (e.g., proximate the gap46), where the mule 20 can disengage from the trolley 10, 10B, 10C(e.g., when at least a portion of the trolley 10, 10B, 10C has travelledonto the platform 34′). The mule 50′ can engage the trolley 10, 10B, 10C(e.g., engage a rear portion of the trolley 10, 10B, 10C), as furtherdiscussed below, and move the trolley 10, 10B, 10C onto the platform 34′(via actuation of the chain drive 60′ in a forward direction) so thatthe trolley 10, 10B, 10C is fully supported on the platform 34′. To movethe trolley 10, 10B, 10C off the platform 34′ and onto the track 20, themule 50′ can engage the trolley 10, 10B, 10C (e.g., engage the rearportion of the trolley 10, 10B, 10C) and move the trolley 10, 10B, 10Coff the platform 34′ and onto the track 20 (e.g., by operating the chaindrive 60′ in a reverse direction that is opposite to the forwarddirection). Once at least a portion of the trolley 10, 10B, 10C hastravelled onto the track 20 from the platform 34′, the mule 50′ candisengage from the trolley 10, 10B, 10C (e.g., from a rear portion ofthe trolley 10, 10B, 10C). The mule 50 can then engage the trolley 10,10B, 10C (e.g., engage a front portion of the trolley 10, 10B, 10C) andmove the trolley 10, 10B, 10C along the track 20 (e.g., via actuation ofthe chain drive 60 in a reverse direction opposite the forwarddirection) toward the garage G. Accordingly, the mules 50, 50′ can workto hand off the trolley 10, 10B, 10C to each other as the trolley 10,10B, 10C travels between track 20 and the platform 34′.

With reference to FIGS. 23-26B, the mule 50 can be movably coupled to arail of the track 20, such as to one of the rails 20A, 20B. FIG. 24Ashows the mule 50 over the rail 20B, though in another implementationthe mule 50 can be movably coupled to the rail 20A. The mule 50 can havea frame 51 with one or more rollers or wheels 52 rotatably coupled tothe frame 51, the rollers or wheels 52 being able to rotate over anupper surface 27 a of a head 29 of the rail 20B. The mule 50 andoptionally have one or more wheels 54 rotatably coupled to the frame 51,where the wheels 54 engage an underside 27 b of the head 29 of the rail20B, to control upward torque applied to the mule 50 and resist lateralforces on the mule 50, thereby providing for increase stability of themule 50 on the rail 20B. The mule 50 can have a grabber armlet 55 thatis actuatable (by an actuator 56 on the mule 50) between an engagedposition (see FIG. 24D) and a release position (see FIG. 24C). In theengaged position (see FIG. 24D), the grabber armlet 55 engages a portionof a wheel assembly 12, 12B, 12C to couple the mule 50 to the wheelassembly 12, 12B, 12C (such that the mule 50 and trolley 10, 10B, 10Cmove together as an integral unit). In the release position (see FIG.24C), the grabber armlet 55 does not engage the wheel assembly 12, 12B,12C so that the mule 50 and trolley 10, 10B, 10C can move independentlyof each other. In one implementation, the grabber armlet 55 can have aclamp 55A (e.g., a spring-loaded clamp) that can engage (e.g., extendover) a pin 12C1 of the wheel assembly 12, 12B, 12C. With the grabberarmlet 55 in the engaged position, the mule 50 can pull or push thetrolley 10, 10B, 10C (e.g., with the boat B supported thereon) along thetrack 20 (e.g., from the garage G to the end of the track 20 adjacentthe platform 34′ and locations in between).

With reference to FIG. 24A, the mule 50 can optionally include anelectronics module 57 with circuitry C (e.g., including a wirelesstransmitter A′ and one or more antennas A) and a power source P (e.g., abattery, such as a rechargeable battery), as well as one or more sensorsS5 (e.g., proximity sensors). The sensor(s) S5 on the mule 50 cancommunicate (e.g., wirelessly via the wireless transmitter A′) with thecontroller EM (located in the garage G, such as on a wall of the garageG) to control the operation of the motor M, and therefore control themotion of the mule 50 along the track 20 (e.g., when it is separatedfrom the trolley 10, 10B, 10C and/or when it is coupled to the trolley10, 10B, 10C). Further discussion of the operation of the sensors isprovided below. The power source P can power the sensor(s) S5 on themule 50 and/or the actuator 56 of the mule 50 that operates the grabberarmlet 55.

With reference to FIGS. 23A and 24E, the platform lift mechanism 30′includes a mule 50′ movably coupled to the rail 20B′ on the platform 34′that is similar to the mule 50. Therefore, reference numerals used todesignate the various components or features of the mule 50′ areidentical to those used for identifying the corresponding components ofthe mule 50 in FIG. 24A, except that a “′” is added to the numericalidentifier. Thus, the structure and description for the various featuresor components of the mule 50 in FIG. 24A are understood to also apply tothe corresponding features or components of the 50′ in FIGS. 23A and24E, except as described below.

In one implementation, the mule 50′ is identical to the mule 50. Inanother implementation, the mule 50′ can be smaller in size than themule 50. In some implementations, the mule 50′ excludes the electronicsmodule 57. The mule 50′ can include sensors S6 that are powered by linepower from the motor M′ (e.g., a submersible hydraulic motor), andtravels between a proximal location AA and a distal location BB alongthe rail 20B′. As with the mule 50, the mule 50′ can have a grabberarmlet 55′ that is actuatable between an engaged position and a releaseposition. In the engaged position, the grabber armlet 55′ engages aportion of a wheel assembly 12, 12B, 12C to couple the mule 50′ to thewheel assembly 12, 12B, 12C (such that the mule 50′ and trolley 10, 10B,10C move together as an integral unit). In the release position, thegrabber armlet 55′ does not engage the wheel assembly 12, 12B, 12C sothat the mule 50′ and trolley 10, 10B, 10C can move independently ofeach other. With the grabber armlet 55′ in the engaged position, themule 50′ can pull or push the trolley 10, 10B, 10C (e.g., with the boatB supported thereon) along the platform 34′ (e.g., between a proximallocation AA and a distal location BB).

With reference to FIGS. 23A-25E, the mule 50, 50′ can have a powertransmitter 58A, 58A′ (e.g., inductive power transmitter) optionallyprovide power to sensors on the trolley 10, 10B, 10C, such as proximitysensors S1, S3, S4, S4′, via a power receiver 18C of the boat trolley10, 10B, 10C, allowing the sensors on the trolley 10, 10B, 10C tocommunicate (e.g., wirelessly) with the controller EM (in the garage G,such as on a wall of the garage G) via a transmitter 17C on the trolley10, 10B, 10C. The mule 50 can also have a power receiver 58B (e.g.,inductive power receiver) via which it receives power (e.g., to chargethe power source, such as batteries, P of the mule 50), as furtherdescribed below. Advantageously, this allows the trolley 10, 10B, 10C tonot have a power source (e.g., battery) which may be damaged when thetrolley 10, 10B, 10C is submerged in water with the platform 34′. Thepower source P on the mule 50 can be charged or recharged when the mule50 is retracted to or proximate an end position (e.g., the “storageposition”) in the garage G (e.g., when the mule 50 has pulled thetrolley 10, 10B, 10C all the way back into the garage G). In oneimplementation, an inductive power transmitter G1 can be disposed in thegarage and positioned so as to inductively transmit power to the powerreceiver 58B of the mule 50 when the mule 50 is in the “storageposition” in the garage G. In one implementation, though the powertransmitters G1, 58A, receiver 58B are inductive power transmitters andreceiver, respectively. In another implementation, the powertransmitters G1, 58A and receiver 58B can transmit or receive power viaelectrical contacts thereof. The battery charge level (and whether thebatter is currently being charged) may be detected and report by batterycharge level sensors.

FIG. 27 shows a block diagram of a control system 500 for the boat liftand trolley assembly 100, 200, 300. The control system 500 includes acontroller EM (e.g., located in the garage G, such as on a wall of thegarage G) that receives information from a plurality of sensors S1-Sn(e.g., where n is a digit, such as S1-S10, S1-S15, as described herein,or greater or fewer number of sensors, etc.). The controller EM sendscontrol signals to the motor M (and optionally to the motor M′ on theplatform 34′) and receives operational information from the motor Mbased at least in part on the information the controller EM receivesfrom the plurality of sensors S1-Sn. As discussed above, one or more ofthe sensors S4, S4′ can be on the trolley 10, 10B, 10C to sense aposition and/or motion of the trolley 10, 10B, 10C and/or anyobstructions on the track 20 and in the path of the trolley 10, 10B,10C. Optionally, one or more of the sensors can be located in one ormore locations on the track 20, for example, to sense a position of thetrolley 10, 10B, 10C. For example, at least one of the sensors S10 canbe located in the boat garage G, just outside the boat garage G, and/orat the edge of the dock channel D. For example, one or more sensors S11can be disposed in the garage G proximate the end of the track 20 toindicate the end of the track 20 and one or more sensors S12 can bedisposed outside the garage G to indicate when the mule 50 and/or boattrolley 10, 10B, 10C is proximate the garage door GD, to cause thegarage door GD to open. One or more sensors S13 (see FIG. 24G) can bedisposed proximate the end of the track 20 (near the gap 46) to indicatethe end of the track 20. One or more sensors can be located on thegarage door of the boat garage G. With reference to the lift mechanism30, one or more sensors can optionally be located on the posts 32 tosense when the slings 34 are connected thereto.

In operation, the boat B can be disposed within the boat garage G and ontop of the trolley 10, 10B, 10C frame with the garage door GD in aclosed position. The mule 50 can be coupled to the trolley 10, 10B, 10C,as discussed above, and proximate stop AB in the garage G near end oftrack 20. A user can initiate the automated deployment of the boat B byactuating a button, such as a “trolley out” activation button or “garagedoor open” activation button on a controller (e.g., control attached tothe garage G, handheld remote control R, or a mobile electronic devicesuch as a smartphone), at which point the garage door GD can open. Oncethe garage door GD is open (e.g., and triggers a signal from a “garageopen” sensor S15, such as a proximity sensor that senses a location ofthe garage door GD), the controller EM can optionally turn on a chaintensioner to tension a drive chain attached to the trolley, such asdrive chain 60 operatively coupleable to trolley 10C via mule 50). Whenthe drive chain is tensioned to a predetermined amount, as sensed by a(tension) sensor, the controller EM can receive a signal that movementof the trolley 10, 10B, 10C is allowed. The operator can optionallypress and hold a “trolley out” button to actuate the motor M to move thetrolley 10, 10B, 10C (and the boat B) out of the boat garage G. The“trolley out” button can optionally be a deadman button that theoperator must continuously press for the trolley 10A, 10B, 10C to move.As the trolley 10, 10B, 10C moves, one or more sensors S4, S4′ (e.g.,proximity sensors) on the trolley 10, 10B, 10C and/or sensors S5 on themule 50 can sense for obstructions in the trolley's path (e.g., on thetrack 20), and can signal the controller EM to stop movement of thetrolley 10, 10B, 10C if an obstruction is sensed. In one embodiment, thelift mechanism 30, 30′ can have one or more sensors that can communicatewith the controller EM. For example, the lift mechanism 30 can have oneor more sensors indicating that the lift cables/slings are in a stowedposition and can communicate such a signal to the controller EM.Alternatively, as discussed above the lift mechanism 30′ can have one ormore sensors S8 that sense a position of the platform 34′ (e.g., fullyraised, lowered) and optionally communicates this to the controller EM.It the platform 34′ is not in a fully raised position, the controller EMwill stop the trolley 10A, 10B, 10C short of the end of the track 20(near the gap 46) until sensors confirm the platform 34′ has been fullyraised, sensors S7, S9 confirm alignment between the rails 20A′, 20B′and the rails 20A, 20B and/or sensors confirm the locking pins 42 havebeen actuated by the actuator(s) 44 to lockingly couple the track 20 tothe platform 34′.

In one implementations, even upon receipt of signals that the platform34′ is completely raised, the controller EM can optionally pausemovement of the trolley 10, 10B, 10C for a predetermined period of timebefore actuating the mule 50 (via the chain drive 60) to move thetrolley 10, 10B, 10C onto the platform 34′. During said pause, thecontroller EM can bump the hydraulics of the platform 34′ in the up modeto ensure the platform 34′ is fully raised, and the pins 42 can beextended to align the rails 20A, 20B with the rails 20A′, 20B′. and thelocking engagement of the pins 42 with the rails 20A′, 20B′ is confirmedby sensors.

The controller EM actuates movement of the mule 50 (via the chain drive60) to move the trolley 10, 10B, 10C onto the platform 34′ until thetrolley 10, 10B, 10C engages the mule 50′. The mule 50′ on the platform34′ can then engage the trolley 10, 10B, 10C, as discussed above, andthe mule 50 can disengage from the trolley 10, 10B, 10C and thecontroller EM actuates movement of the mule 50 in the opposite direction(away from the platform 34′), for example to a predetermined distancefrom the gap 46. The locking tab 36′ on the platform 34′ can then bemoved, as discussed above, to inhibit movement of the trolley 10, 10B,10C while on the platform 34′. The controller EM then actuates thelocking pins 42 to retract to disengage the track 20 from the platform34′ (e.g., disengage the rails 20A, 20B from the rails 20A′, 20B′). Atthis point, the operator can optionally use the controls on the platform34′ to lower the platform 34′. Alternatively, the operator can use aremote control or their mobile electronic device to operate the platform34′.

Once the operator is done operating the boat B, and is ready to returnthe boat B to the garage, the operator can operate the system inreverse. For example, once the operator has maneuvered the boat B overthe trolley 10, 10B, 10C, the operator can operate the “Platform Up”button (e.g., Deadman button) on the platform controller (e.g., remotecontrol, mobile electronic device) to raise the platform 34′. When theplatform 34′ reaches the raised position, the platform 34′ stops. Theoperator can then actuate the “Boat to Garage” button (e.g., dead manbutton) to start the trolley process. As the operator continues to holdthe “Boat to Garage” button, the controller EM can bump the platformhydraulics to ensure the platform 34′ is fully raised, then the lockingpins 42 can be actuated to extend and engage the rails 20A, 20B of thetrack 20 with the rails 20A′, 20B′ on the platform 34′. Once theengagement of the track 20 with the platform 34′ is sensed, thehydraulic lock tab 36′ on the platform 34′ will disengage and the mule50 will move to its forward most position and stop. The mule 50′ willpush the trolley 10, 10B, 10C toward the track 20 until the mule 50engages the trolley 10, 10B, 10C, at which point the mule 50′ willdisengage from the trolley 10, 10B, 10C. The controller EM can thenactuate the mule 50 (via the chain drive 60) to pull the trolley 10,10B, 10C toward the garage G. Once the trolley 10, 10B, 10C clears thegap 46, the locking pins 42 can optionally be actuated (by thecontroller EM) to disengage the track 20 from the platform 34′. The mule50 will continue to pull the trolley 10, 10B, 10C toward the garage G.If the garage door GD is closed, it can optionally open automaticallyonce the mule 50 and/or trolley 10, 10B, 10C trigger a sensor on thetrack 20. The trolley 10, 10B, 10C can continue into the garage G andstop when it reaches a stop position (as triggered by a sensor proximatethe end of the track 20 in the garage G). The garage door GD can then beclosed (using a Door Close button).

If the trolley 10, 10B, 10C is stopped in the garage door GD area, oneor more track sensors S10 (e.g., sensors proximate the gap TG) cancommunicate with the controller EM to inhibit the closing of the garagedoor GD until the trolley 10, 10B, 10C is clear of the garage door GDarea. The trolley 10, 10B, 10C can continue to travel toward the dock D(e.g., via a chain drive 60 actuated by the motor M under the control ofthe controller EM). One or more track end sensors S13 can communicatewith the controller EM to stop the position of the trolley 10, 10B, 10Cin a predetermined position on the dock D once it is reached.

As discussed above with reference to the trolley 10B, clips from thelift mechanism 30 can then be attached to pick-up mechanisms 15B3 (e.g.,lift clevises) of the upper frame 15B of the trolley 10B. The movementof the lift cable or sling from the stowed position can lock themovement of the trolley 10B, as discussed above. The operator can thenpress a “lift up” button to raise the boat B (and upper frame 15B) offthe lower frame 11B of the trolley 10B. In one embodiment, the liftmechanism will not operate to lift the boat B unless all dock side cableclip sensors are vacant (indicating that the lift cable clips have beenmoved from the stowed position to couple them to the upper frame 15B.

The “lift up” button actuation can lift the upper frame 15B and boat Boff the lower frame 11B of the trolley 10B until a lift stop sensorsenses that the upper frame 15B has been lifted by at least apredetermined amount. Once said predetermined amount is reached, thelift stop sensor can communicate a signal to the controller EM, allowingthe controller EM to allow movement of the lower frame 11B of thetrolley 10B.

Optionally, the operator can then press a “trolley in” button to causethe controller EM to move the lower frame 11B of the trolley 10B fromunderneath the upper frame 15B (e.g., via the motor M operated chaindrive attached to the lower frame 11B). The trolley 10B can be moveduntil a parking sensor is activated, indicating that the lower frame 11Bof the trolley 10B is clear of the boat B, at which point the controllerEM can receive a signal to stop movement of the lower frame 11B. At thispoint, the operator can actuate the lift mechanism to lower the boat andupper frame 15B into the water. Advantageously, the parking sensor wouldprevent the lift mechanism from lowering the upper frame 15B and boat Bif it does not sense that the lower frame 11B is clear of the upperframe 15B.

Once use of the boat B was complete, the operator could navigate theboat B back onto the upper frame 15B while this is submerged in thewater and press a “lift up” button to lift the boat B and upper frame15B out of the water. Once a sensor of the lift mechanism 30 indicatesthe boat B is in the lifted position, such a sensor can communicate asignal to the controller EM allowing movement of the lower frame 11B.The operator can press a “trolley out” button to operate the motor M todrive the lower frame 11B under the upper frame 15B until a track endsensor is triggered. The operator can then operate the lift mechanism 30to lower the upper frame 15B onto the lower frame 11B, as discussedabove, at which point the operator can decouple the lift cable clipsfrom the upper frame 15B and place them in the stowed position, therebytriggering the cable/sling stowed signal that can communicate to thecontroller EM that the trolley 10B can be moved. Such a signal allowingthe trolley 10B to move, will not occur unless all the cable clipsensors on the lift mechanism indicate that the lift cables have beenstowed and are no longer attached to the upper frame 15B. The operatorcan then operate a “trolley in” button to cause the controller EM tomove the trolley 10B (via the motor M driven chain drive) toward thegarage G. The signal from the cable clip sensors indicating that thelift cables are stowed, would allow the trolley 10B to continue movingtoward the garage G without stopping once it passes the parking sensor,as discussed above. Optionally, a release and reapplication of the“trolley in” button can bypass the stop point indicated by the parkingsensor.

The controller EM could continue to move the trolley 10, 10B, 10C towardthe garage G (e.g., as long as the operator continues to press the“trolley in” button). The trolley 10, 10B, 10C will thus continue tomove until it triggers and “end of track” sensors S15, which signalcommunicated to the controller EM will stop movement of the trolley 10,10B, 10C. Additionally, the controller EM can prevent the closure of thegarage door GD if an inside track sensor S10 (e.g., track sensor locatedinside the garage G) senses that the trolley 10, 10B, 10C is too closeto the garage door GD). Once properly inside the garage G, the operatorcan press the “door close” button, causing the controller EM to activatethe chain de-tensioner, which allows the chain to lose tension and restin the grooves 23A, 23B discussed above, allowing the garage door GD tofully close. A garage door sensor S10 can be used to sense if there areobstacles in the closing plane of the garage door GD and if so cancommunicate a stop signal to the motor activating the movement of thegarage door GD.

As discussed above, the actuation buttons for the various actions of thesystem (e.g., trolley in, trolley out, etc.) can be on a remote controlR (e.g., a handheld remote control); in another embodiment, the user anduse a mobile electronic device, such as a mobile phone or tablet (e.g.,which has been paired with the controller EM and communicates wirelesslywith the controller EM, such as via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RF), as the remotecontrol R to actuate the controller EM (e.g., via a mobile apppreviously installed on the mobile electronic device, or via theinternet without using a mobile app).

With reference to FIG. 27, operation of the trolley 10 embodiment isvery similar to that of the trolley 10B, discussed above. The one ormore sensors on the trolley 10 and/or one or more sensors on the track20 can sense once the trolley 10 is clear of the boat garage G (e.g.,more than a predetermined distance away from the entrance of the boatgarage G) and the controller EM can actuate the garage door GD to close,and the one or more sensors can sense the position of the garage doorGD. If said sensors sense that the trolley 10 is not clear of the boatgarage G, the controller EM can inhibit (e.g., prevent) the garage doorGD from closing to prevent the garage door from striking the boat B.

Once clear of the boat garage G, the controller EM can operate the motorM (e.g., via a deadman button pressed by the operator) to move thetrolley 10 toward the dock channel D. One or more of the sensors cansense when the trolley 10 is adjacent the opening of the dock channel D.At this point, the user can decouple the slings 34 from the posts 32,and the sensors can communicate said decoupling to the controller EM,which can then actuate the motor M to move the trolley 10 over theopening in the dock channel D. The user can then position the slings 34under the boat B and recouple the ends of the slings 34 to the posts 32.The sensors can communicate the recoupling of the slings 34 to the posts32, and the controller EM can operate the lift mechanism LM to lift theboat B off the trolley 10 frame 14. Once the boat B is off the trolley10 (e.g., as sensed by one or more sensors, such as weight sensors onthe trolley 10 or sensors on the lift mechanism LM), the controller EMcan move the trolley 10 from below the boat B and out of the opening inthe dock channel D, and can then operate the lift mechanism LM to lowerthe boat into the dock channel D and onto the water surface. The usercan then operate the boat B.

Once done operating the boat B, the boat B can be moved from the dockchannel D to back to the boat garage G by operating the control system500 and boat lift and trolley assembly 100, 200 in the reverse order.First the user can move the boat B back into position in the dockchannel and confirm the slings 34 are disposed under the hull of theboat B. The controller EM can operate the lift mechanism LM to lift theboat B out of the dock channel D. One or more sensors can sense when theboat B has been lifted to a predetermined position out of the dockchannel D; for example, sensors can sense a position of the boat Band/or the slings 34 to sense that the predetermined position has beenreached and communicate this to the controller EM. The controller EM canoperate the motor M to move the trolley 10 into position under the boatB, and one or more sensors, can inform the controller EM when thetrolley 10 is under the boat B, at which point the controller EM canoperate the lift mechanism LM to lower the boat B onto the trolley 10frame. If the trolley 10 frame is not completely under the boat B, assensed by one or more of the sensors, the controller EM can prevent thelift mechanism LM from lowering the boat B. One or more sensors (e.g.,weight sensors) can sense when the boat B has been placed on the trolley10 frame, and a user can decouple the slings 34 from the posts 32 andremove the slings from under the boat B, at which point the controllerEM can operate the motor M to move the trolley 10 away from the dockchannel D and toward the boat garage G. The user can the recouple theslings 34 to the posts 32.

One or more sensors can sense when the trolley 10 is proximate thegarage G, and the controller EM can operate the garage door GD to open.Sensors on the garage door GD can indicate the position of the garagedoor GD, and the controller EM can operate the motor M to move thetrolley 10 into the garage G based on an indication that the garage doorGD is fully open. One or more sensors can inform the controller EM whenthe trolley 10 frame 14, with the boat B thereon, is fully inside theboat garage G, and the controller EM can operate the garage door GD toclose.

In addition to the indications provided to the controller EM by the oneor more sensors on the track 20 or on the trolley 10, as discussedabove, the sensors S2 can inform the controller EM if there are anyobstructions on the track 20, and the controller EM can prevent movementof the trolley 10 based on said sensed information until such anobstruction is no longer sensed.

As noted above, optionally a remote control device (e.g., such as remotecontrol R) may be configured to control the operation of the mechanismsdiscussed herein. For example, the remote control may be in the form ofa portable wireless device, such as a smartphone, a tablet computer, alaptop computer, a wearable (e.g., a smart watch), and/or the like. Theremote control device may also be a wired controller removably attachedto a structure (e.g., attached to the garage, a post, or elsewhere).Optionally, the remote control functionality may be provided via anapplication (an “app”) downloaded onto the remote control device (e.g.,via an app store) or preinstalled on the remote control device. The appmay be installed in non-volatile remote control device memory and may beexecuted by a processing device to perform operations described herein.In addition to providing an interface for controlling the mechanismsdescribed herein, the remote control device may report status datareceived from sensors described herein, errors, camera views, messages,and/or other data.

Referring to FIG. 28A, an example remote control device and interface isdisplayed. Optionally, the illustrated remote control device may includea touch display, a soft or hard keyboard, microphones, cameras, and/orspeakers. In this example, the remote control device is a wirelessdevice that includes one or more wireless interfaces (e.g., a cell phonemodem, a WiFi interface, a Bluetooth interface, a Zigby interface, aproprietary wireless interface, and/or other interface). The wirelessinterfaces may be used to send commands to the motors and otherdevices/components described herein and to request/receive data from thesensors disclosed herein. Some or all of the received sensor data maythen be processed and displayed to the user via one or more userinterfaces.

For example, the sensors may include position sensors (e.g., contactsensors, magnetic sensors, ultrasonic sensors, photoelectric sensors,pressure sensors, load sensors, float sensors, capacitive sensors,cameras, and/or other sensor types). By way of example, the sensors maybe positioned and configured to detect the position of the boat trolley,the position of the lift assembly, the position of the garage door, theposition of the mule 50, 50′, the alignment of the rails 20A, 20A′, 20B,20B′, and/or whether the pin(s) 42 have been fully extended to confirmthe platform is engaged with the track. The sensors may include one ormore wired or wireless cameras configured to stream images (e.g., stillimages and/or video images) to the remote control device. For example,one or more cameras may be positioned within the garage, on the trolley,on the mule, on the platform, on the tracks, and/or elsewhere to provideviews of the boat, trolley, mule, track, platform, garage, garage door,and/or surrounding environment. The cameras may include wide anglelenses, fish eye lenses, rectilinear lenses, and/or macro lenses. Thecameras may be positioned to be upward facing, downward facing, or levelfacing. The cameras may be motorized so that the pointing angle of thecamera is controllable via the remote control device. Each camera maytransmit images in association with a camera identifier (which mayindicate the location of the camera).

Additionally, as discussed elsewhere herein, sensors may be configuredto indicate that the lift cables/slings are in a stowed position.Sensors may be configured to measure the charge level of the batteriesdiscussed herein, and to detect whether the batteries are currentlybeing charged. Sensors may be configured to determine sling connectionstatus. Some or all of the motors discussed herein may be equipped withsome or all of the following sensors: overcurrent sensors (to detectovercurrent conditions), vibration sensors (to detect potentiallydamaging vibration), speed/rotation sensors, and/or temperature. Theforegoing sensors may be used to detect a motor failure or potentialfailure, and to identify the cause of such failure or potential failure.

Certain sensors may be discrete in nature. For example, the muleposition sensors may be spaced apart on the track(s) (e.g., every foot,every three feet, or other spacing) so as to provide a correspondingposition detection resolution. Certain sensors may be continuous innature (e.g., range finder sensors) so as to provide continuous oralmost continuous position detection with high resolution (e.g., 0.1inch, 0.5 inch, 1 inch).

The sensors may be water resistant, and in particular seawater/saltwatercompatible. For example, sensors may optionally have housings ofsaltwater resistant materials, such as titanium, ceramic, plastic,and/or marine bronze.

Referring again to FIG. 28A, the example user interface may be organizedinto multiple areas to provide a logical, easy to learn arrangement.Further, such an arrangement may provide the most or more commonly usedand/or critical control and status in a single display to thereby reducethe need to navigate through many screens. In the illustrated example, acontrol area 2802 provides controls to cause the foregoing mechanisms totransport the boat to the platform, to transport the boat to the garage,to move the platform up, to move the platform down, to open the garagedoor, and close the garage door.

Optionally, certain controls may be selectively configured as dead mancontrols that the user must continuously press for the correspondingoperation to be performed to completion, wherein if the user releasesthe control, the app (which may continuously monitor the user's touch ofthe control) commands the corresponding component to stop acorresponding operation (or ceases commanding the component to performthe corresponding operation). Optionally, the app may be configured torespond to voice commands to execute the operations described herein.For example, the voice commands may be received via the remote controldevice microphone, and the voice commands may be translated to text(e.g., using a natural language processing engine). The text may becompared to tags associated with available operations, a match may beidentified, and the matching operation may be caused to be performed.

In addition, controls are provided which may cause the application toaccess and/or display certain information. For example, activation of amessage control may cause messages generated by the app or received bythe app from a remote system to be presented (see, e.g., FIG. 28C).Example messages may include an indication that there is a softwareupdate for the app, that remedial action needs to be taken (e.g.,removal of debris on the track, replacement of rechargeable battery,etc.), current weather and/or ocean conditions, and/or other messagetypes. Activation of the error log control may cause an error log to beaccessed and presented, where the error log includes detected errors andthe respective date/time of the detected errors. For example, the errorlog may include a history of detected obstructions, such as the objectand/or location of the obstructions (e.g., stern, bow, mule, trolley,etc.). By way of further example, the error log may include motorovercurrent detections, battery charge failures, sensor failures, etc.The error log may include errors detected since inception of the errorlog and/or may be limited to a user specified date range.

Activation of the status control may cause the current operationaland/or location status of various components (see, e.g., FIG. 28B), suchas the garage door, the platform, the trolley, the mule, the pin(s), therail alignment, the drive train tension, the sling status, thepresence/location of obstructions, and/or the like. For example, thestatus may indicate “Trolley moving,” “Trolley stopped,” “Obstructionstern,” “Obstruction bow,” “Obstruction Mule,” “Latch/lock error,” “mulebattery at 75% charge,” “Garage door open,” “Garage door closed,”“Platform up,” Platform down,” “Pins locked,” “Rails aligned,” “Drivetrain slack,” “Boat parked,” and/or the like. Errors displayed via thestatus user interface may also be included in the error log, however theerror log may exclude non-error related status.

Various camera controls may be provided. When a given camera control isactivated, the corresponding camera feed may be used by the remotecontrol device and displayed via the camera feed display area 2804. Inthis example, trolley camera, track camera, and garage camera controlsare provided, however additional, fewer and/or different camera controlsmay be provided. In addition, controls may be provided that enable theuser to point the cameras to a desired pointing angle.

In addition, an animated, graphic representation of various componentsmay be displayed in animated status area 2804. By way of illustration,sensor position data received by the app may be analyzed and the sensordata may be reflected via the animated status area 2804. For example,animated status area 2804 may indicate the position of the galley as thegalley is being moved down the track. By way of further example, theanimated status area 2804 may indicate the current position of themule(s), garage door, and/or platform (e.g., up, down, moving upwards,moving downwards). In addition, the gauge 2806 may indicate the verticalposition of the platform. By way of illustration, the app may store amapping of various sensors to the illustrated tracks, track positions,and related components. When a sensor reports a position of a givencomponent (e.g., the location of the trolley on the tracks) therepresentation of the trolley and/or boat may be redrawn or moved tocorrespond to the reported position.

The gauge 2808 may indicate the battery charge level of a mule battery,and may indicate whether or not the battery is currently being charged.Optionally, a battery charge level gauge or other indicator may beprovided for each mule and/or other battery-powered devices.

FIGS. 29A-29B illustrate an example process for deploying a boat fromthe garage (which may be executed by the apparatus described herein), assimilarly discussed above. At block 2902, the process detects a useractivation of a “boat out” control. Optionally, the process operates ona dead man basis, where the process continuously monitors the useractivation of the “boat out” control, and if the user releases thecontrol, the process stops certain operations.

At block 2904, a determination is made from the garage door sensorreadings as to whether the garage door is open. If the garage door isnot open, at block 2906, the garage door is commanded to open. Theprocess may wait until the garage door sensors indicate that the garagedoor is fully open. At block 2908, the transport mechanism (e.g., thedockside mule and trolley) is commanded to transport the boat to theplatform at the end of the track. The platform motors/pneumatics arecommanded to raise the platform.

As the boat is being navigated on the track, the various sensors (e.g.,proximity sensors) monitor for obstructions (e.g., branches, rocks,seaweed, etc. on the track). At block 2910, a determination is made asto whether the sensors detected an obstruction. If an obstruction isdetected that appears to be a potential hindrance to the safe transportof the boat, at block 2912, the process commands the transport mechanismto stop movement (e.g., to stop movement of the dockside mule andtrolley). Otherwise, at block 2914, sensors are monitored to detect ifthe transport mechanism has reached the end of the track ending at thegap between the track and the platform. In response to detecting thatthe transport mechanism has reached the end of the track, the transportmechanism is commanded to halt.

At block 2918, a determination is made from corresponding sensorreadings as to whether the platform is fully raised to the top position.At block 2920, the platform hydraulics are bumped in the up mode toensure the platform is fully trapped in an XY retainer (which reduces oreliminates the likelihood of minor leaks).

At block 2922, the lock pins are extended from the dockside tracks tothe platform tracks to align the dockside tracks with the platformtracks. In response to the process sensing that the lock pins are fullyextended and locked (via corresponding sensors) to the platform tracks,at block 2924 the transport mechanism is commanded to be moved to theplatform track until the stern side of the trolley contacts the platformmule. At block 2926, the platform mule clamps are commanded to latch thetrolley truck (e.g., on the stern side). At block 2930, the docksidemule clamps are commanded to unlatch from the bow-side trolley truck. Atblock 2931, the platform mule is commanded to transport the trolley ontothe platform and park the trolley in the appropriate location (e.g., thestern side of the platform). At block 2932, the dockside mule iscommanded to move backwards (e.g., 2-4 feet) from the platform gap. Atblock 2932, a platform-based hydraulic mechanism is commanded to push alocking tab up to lock the platform mule or the trolley to preventtrolley movement

At block 2934, the pins are commanded to retract from the platformrails. At block 2936, in response to sensors detecting that the pinshave been successfully retracted, the platform controls are enabled sothat the user can utilize the platform control to provide desiredcommands.

FIG. 30 illustrates an example process for returning the boat andtrolley to the garage, as similarly discussed above. The boat is dockedonto the lowered platform (where the platform is lowered beneath thesurface of the water) and onto the trolley support bunkers. At block3002, the process detects a user activation of a “Platform up” control,indicating that the platform and bunkered boat are to be raised.Optionally, the process operates on a dead man basis, where the processcontinuously monitors the user activation of the “Platform up” control,and if the user releases the control, the process stops certainoperations (e.g., the movement of the platform).

At block 3004, in response to the detected activation of the “Platformup” command, the platform is commanded to be raised. When the platformis fully raised, the platform movement stops. At block 3006, the processdetects a user activation of a “Boat to garage” control, indicating thatboat and trolley are to be returned to the garage. At block 3008, inresponse to detecting the “Boat to garage” command, the user-accessibleplatform controls (e.g., provided via the remote control device) areoptionally disabled to prevent the user from commanding the platform toperform an action that may be unsafe or that may damage the boat, rails,or other components. In addition, the controller is commanded to bumpthe up platform hydraulics to ensure that the platform cylinder is inthe full up position. At block 3010, the pins are commanded to extendfrom the track end to engage the platform rails, and to thereby alignthe platform tracks with the tracks going to the garage. At block 3012,in response to sensing via sensors that the pins are fully extended andlocked to the platform rails, the trolley hydraulic lock tabs on theplatform are caused to disengage.

At block 3014, the dockside mule is commanded to move to the mostforward position on the track, to a point just before the gap betweenthe dockside track and the platform, and stop. At block 3016, theplatform mule, on the stern side of the boat, is commanded to transportthe trolley towards the dockside mule, until the dockside mule clampsengage the trolley. At block 3018, the platform mule is commanded torelease its clamps so as to disengage from the trolley. At block 3020,position sensors are monitored to determine if the trolley has clearedthe gap between the platform and the tracks. In response to detectingthat the trolley has cleared the gap between the platform and thetracks, the process proceeds to block 3022, and the pins are retractedfrom the platform rails. At block 3024, in response to detecting thatthe pins have been retracted from the platform rails (so that theplatform tracks are no longer mechanically coupled to the docksidetracks), the platform controls (e.g., on the remote control device) areenabled so that the user can independently control the platform now thatit is safe to do so.

At block 3026, the dockside mule is commanded to transport the trolleyto the garage. At block 3028, the process detects, via correspondingdoor sensors, whether the garage door is open. In response to detectingthe garage door is not open, at block 3030, the garage door is commandedto open. At block the 3032, a determination is made as to whether thetrolley is at a parked position in the garage (e.g., by monitoring asensor at or near the end of the track that indicates whether thetrolley is at a designated end point). At block 3034, the garage door iscommanded to close automatically, or a user can manually activate a doorclose control so as to close the door.

Additional Embodiments

In embodiments of the present invention, an automated boat lift andtrolley system may be in accordance with any of the following clauses:

Clause 1: An automated boat lift and trolley system for moving a boatfrom a boat garage and a dock, comprising:

-   -   a track comprising a pair of track rails, the track configured        to run from a proximal end within a boat garage and a distal end        proximate a dock;    -   a boat trolley configured to support a boat thereon, the boat        trolley having a set of wheels that movably couple the trolley        to the pair of rails of the track;    -   a lift assembly disposed at the dock, the lift assembly        comprising a platform spaced from the distal end of the track,        the platform having a pair of platform rails onto which the boat        trolley is moved from the track, the lift assembly operable to        lower the platform with the boat trolley and boat thereon into        water to facilitate removal of the boat from the boat trolley        for use, the lift assembly operable to raise the platform with        the boat trolley and boat thereon such that the pair of platform        rails are substantially aligned with the pair of track rails to        facilitate movement of the boat trolley from the platform onto        the track;    -   a drive assembly as least partially disposed in the garage and        configured to drive the movement of the boat trolley along the        track and from the track onto the platform; and    -   a controller at least partially disposed in the garage, the        controller configured to automatically control operation of the        boat trolley to move along the track, between the track and the        platform, and to control the lift assembly to lower the boat        into the water based at least in part on the sensed information        communicated by one or more sensors to the controller.

Clause 2: The system of clause 1, wherein the drive assembly comprises amotor disposed in the garage, the motor operatively coupled to a trackchain drive having a drive sprocket in or proximate the garage, a drivensprocket at or proximate an end of the track, and a chain coupled to thedrive sprocket and the driven sprocket, the chain operatively coupled tothe boat trolley, wherein operation of the motor to rotate an outputshaft thereof in one direction causes the drive and driven sprockets torotate in a first direction and the chain to move in a second directionthereby causing the boat trolley to move in the second direction, andwherein operation of the motor to rotate the output shaft in an oppositedirection causes the drive and driven sprockets to rotates in a thirddirection opposite the first direction and the chain to move in a fourthdirection opposite the second direction thereby causing the boat trolleyto move in the fourth direction.

Clause 3: The system of any preceding clause, wherein the chain of thetrack chain drive operatively couples to the boat trolley via a mulecoupled to the chain, the mule being movably coupled to one of the pairof track rails and configured to move between a first end position inthe garage and an opposite end position proximate an end of the track,the mule comprising a grabber armlet actuatable between an engagedposition and a disengaged position, wherein in the engaged position thegrabber armlet is configured to couple with the boat trolley so that themule can exert a force on the boat trolley to move the boat trolley inthe second or fourth directions, and wherein in the disengaged positionthe grabber armlet is configured to decouple from the boat trolley toallow the mule to move independently of the boat trolley.

Clause 4: The system of any preceding clause, wherein the mule furthercomprises one or more rechargeable batteries, a wireless transmitter, anelectronic actuator configured to operate the grabber armlet and one ormore proximity sensors configured to communicate with the controller,the controller configured to operate the drive system to stop movementof the boat trolley when the proximity sensors sense an obstruction onthe track.

Clause 5: The system of any preceding clause, further comprising aninductive power transmitter disposed in or near the garage, theinductive power transmitter configured to charge the one or morerechargeable batteries on the mule when the mule is at or near the firstend position in the garage.

Clause 6: The system of any preceding clause, wherein the mule furthercomprises one or more rechargeable batteries, a wireless transmitter, anelectronic actuator configured to operate the grabber armlet, and theboat trolley comprises one or more proximity sensors configured toreceive power from the one or more rechargeable batteries when the muleis coupled to the boat trolley, the one or more proximity sensorsconfigured to communicate with the controller, the controller configuredto operate the drive system to stop movement of the boat trolley whenthe proximity sensors sense an obstruction on the track.

Clause 7: The system of any preceding clause, further comprising alocking mechanism configured to selectively lock the track to theplatform when the track rails are substantially aligned with theplatform rails to facilitate movement of the boat trolley between thetrack and the platform, the locking mechanism comprising one or morepins actuatable between a retracted position in which the platform isdecoupled from the track and an extended position in which the platformis coupled to the track.

Clause 8: The system of any preceding clause, wherein the lift assemblycomprises a platform drive assembly comprising a motor operativelycoupled to a platform chain drive having a drive sprocket proximate afirst location on the platform track, a driven sprocket proximate asecond location on the platform track spaced from the first location,and a chain coupled to the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket, thechain operatively coupleable to the boat trolley when at least a portionof the boat trolley is on the platform and configured to move the boattrolley along the platform rails.

Clause 9: The system of any preceding clause, wherein the chain of theplatform chain drive operatively couples to the boat trolley via aplatform mule coupled to the chain, the platform mule being movablycoupled to one of the pair of platform rails and configured to movebetween the first location and the second location on the platformtrack, the platform mule comprising a grabber armlet actuatable betweenan engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein in the engagedposition the grabber armlet is configured to couple with the boattrolley so that the platform mule can exert a force on the boat trolleyto move the boat trolley, and wherein in the disengaged position thegrabber armlet is configured to decouple from the boat trolley to allowthe platform mule to move independently of the boat trolley.

Clause 10: The system of any preceding clause, wherein the platform mulefurther comprises a wireless transmitter, an electronic actuatorconfigured to operate the grabber armlet and one or more proximitysensors configured to communicate with the controller, the controllerconfigured to operate the platform drive assembly to stop movement ofthe boat trolley when the proximity sensors sense an obstruction on theplatform track.

Clause 11: The system of any preceding clause, wherein the controllercomprises a wireless transceiver, the controller configured tocommunicate wirelessly with a remote control to operate one or both ofthe motion of the boat trolley and a garage door of the boat garage.

Clause 12: The system of any preceding clause, wherein the remotecontrol device is a mobile electronic device.

Clause 13: An automated boat lift and trolley system for moving a boatbetween a boat garage and a dock, comprising:

-   -   a track comprising a pair of track rails, the track configured        to run from a proximal end within a boat garage and a distal end        proximate a dock;    -   a boat trolley configured to support a boat thereon, the boat        trolley having a set of wheels that movably couple the trolley        to the pair of track rails;    -   a lift assembly disposed at the dock, the lift assembly        comprising a platform spaced from the distal end of the track,        the platform having a pair of platform rails onto which the boat        trolley is moved from the track rails, the lift assembly        operable to lower the platform with the boat trolley and boat        thereon to a lowered position to facilitate removal of the boat        from the boat trolley for use, the lift assembly operable to        raise the platform with the boat trolley and boat thereon to a        raised position, the pair of platform rails being substantially        aligned with the pair of track rails when the platform is in the        raised position to facilitate movement of the boat trolley        between the platform and the track;    -   a drive assembly as least partially disposed in the garage and        configured to drive the movement of the boat trolley along the        track and between the track and the platform; and    -   a controller at least partially disposed in the garage, the        controller configured to automatically control operation of the        drive assembly to move the boat trolley along the track between        the track and the platform, and to control the lift assembly to        lower the boat trolley with the boat thereon to the lowered        position based at least in part on the sensed information        communicated by one or more sensors to the controller.

Clause 14: The system of clause 13, wherein the drive assembly comprisesa motor disposed in the garage, the motor operatively coupled to a trackchain drive having a drive sprocket in or proximate the garage, a drivensprocket at or proximate a distal end of the track, and a chain coupledto the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket, the chain operativelycoupled to the boat trolley, wherein operation of the motor to rotate anoutput shaft thereof in one direction causes the drive and drivensprockets to rotate in a first direction and the chain to move in asecond direction thereby causing the boat trolley to move in the seconddirection, and wherein operation of the motor to rotate the output shaftin an opposite direction causes the drive and driven sprockets to rotatein a third direction opposite the first direction and the chain to movein a fourth direction opposite the second direction thereby causing theboat trolley to move in the fourth direction.

Clause 15: The system of any of clauses 13-14, wherein the chain of thetrack chain drive operatively couples to the boat trolley via a mulecoupled to the chain, the mule being movably coupled to one of the pairof track rails and configured to move between a first end position inthe garage and an opposite end position proximate the distal end of thetrack, the mule comprising a grabber armlet actuatable between anengaged position and a disengaged position, wherein in the engagedposition the grabber armlet is configured to couple with the boattrolley so that the mule can exert a force on the boat trolley to movethe boat trolley in the second or fourth directions, and wherein in thedisengaged position the grabber armlet is configured to decouple fromthe boat trolley to allow the mule to move independently of the boattrolley.

Clause 16: The system of any of clauses 13-15, wherein the mule furthercomprises one or more rechargeable batteries, a wireless transmitter, anelectronic actuator configured to operate the grabber armlet and one ormore proximity sensors configured to communicate with the controller,the controller configured to operate the drive system to stop movementof the boat trolley when the proximity sensors sense an obstruction onthe track.

Clause 17: The system of any of clauses 13-16, further comprising aninductive power transmitter disposed in or near the garage, theinductive power transmitter configured to charge the one or morerechargeable batteries of the mule when the mule is at or near the firstend position in the garage.

Clause 18: The system of any of clauses 13-17, wherein the mule furthercomprises one or more rechargeable batteries, a wireless transmitter, anelectronic actuator configured to operate the grabber armlet, and theboat trolley comprises one or more proximity sensors configured toreceive power from the one or more rechargeable batteries when the muleis coupled to the boat trolley, the one or more proximity sensorsconfigured to communicate with the controller, the controller configuredto operate the drive system to stop movement of the boat trolley whenthe proximity sensors sense an obstruction on the track.

Clause 19: The system of any of clauses 13-18, further comprising alocking mechanism configured to selectively lock the track to theplatform when the track rails are substantially aligned with theplatform rails to facilitate movement of the boat trolley between thetrack and the platform, the locking mechanism comprising one or morepins actuatable between a retracted position in which the platform isdecoupled from the track and an extended position in which the platformis coupled to the track.

Clause 20: The system of any of clauses 13-19, wherein the lift assemblycomprises a platform drive assembly comprising a motor operativelycoupled to a platform chain drive having a drive sprocket proximate afirst location on the platform track, a driven sprocket proximate asecond location on the platform track spaced from the first location,and a chain coupled to the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket, thechain operatively coupleable to the boat trolley when at least a portionof the boat trolley is on the platform and configured to move the boattrolley along the platform rails.

Clause 21: The system of any of clauses 13-20, wherein the chain of theplatform chain drive operatively couples to the boat trolley via aplatform mule coupled to the chain, the platform mule being movablycoupled to one of the pair of platform rails and configured to movebetween the first location and the second location on the platformtrack, the platform mule comprising a grabber armlet actuatable betweenan engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein in the engagedposition the grabber armlet is configured to couple with the boattrolley so that the platform mule can exert a force on the boat trolleyto move the boat trolley, and wherein in the disengaged position thegrabber armlet is configured to decouple from the boat trolley to allowthe platform mule to move independently of the boat trolley.

Clause 22: The system of any of clauses 13-21, wherein the platform mulefurther comprises a wireless transmitter, an electronic actuatorconfigured to operate the grabber armlet and one or more proximitysensors configured to communicate with the controller, the controllerconfigured to operate the platform drive assembly to stop movement ofthe boat trolley when the proximity sensors sense an obstruction on theplatform track.

Clause 23: The system of any of clauses 13-22, wherein the controllercomprises a wireless transceiver, the controller configured tocommunicate wirelessly with a remote control to operate one or both ofthe motion of the boat trolley and a garage door of the boat garage.

Clause 24: The system of any of clauses 13-23, wherein the remotecontrol is a mobile electronic device.

Clause 25: An automated boat lift and trolley system for moving a boatbetween a boat garage and a dock, comprising:

-   -   a track comprising a pair of track rails, the track configured        to run from a proximal end within a boat garage and a distal end        proximate a dock;    -   a boat trolley configured to support a boat thereon, the boat        trolley having a set of wheels that movably couple the trolley        to the pair of track rails;    -   a drive assembly as least partially disposed in the garage and        configured to drive the movement of the boat trolley along the        track and between the track and a dock; and    -   a controller at least partially disposed in the garage, the        controller configured to automatically control operation of the        drive assembly to move the boat trolley along the track between        the track and the dock.

Clause 26: The system of clause 25, further comprising a lift assemblydisposed at the dock, the lift assembly comprising a platform spacedfrom the distal end of the track, the platform having a pair of platformrails onto which the boat trolley is moved from the track rails, theplatform movable between a raised position where the platform rails aresubstantially aligned with the track rails and a lowered position tofacilitate movement of the boat trolley between the track rails andplatform rails, the lift assembly being operable to lower the platformwith the boat trolley and boat thereon to the lowered position tofacilitate removal of the boat from the boat trolley for use, thecontroller configured to control the movement of the platform betweenthe lowered position and the raised position.

Clause 27: The system of any of clauses 25-26, wherein the driveassembly comprises a motor disposed in the garage, the motor operativelycoupled to a track chain drive having a drive sprocket in or proximatethe garage, a driven sprocket at or proximate a distal end of the track,and a chain coupled to the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket, thechain operatively coupled to the boat trolley, wherein operation of themotor to rotate an output shaft thereof in one direction causes thedrive and driven sprockets to rotate in a first direction and the chainto move in a second direction thereby causing the boat trolley to movein the second direction, and wherein operation of the motor to rotatethe output shaft in an opposite direction causes the drive and drivensprockets to rotate in a third direction opposite the first directionand the chain to move in a fourth direction opposite the seconddirection thereby causing the boat trolley to move in the fourthdirection.

Clause 28: The system of any of clauses 25-27, wherein the chain of thetrack chain drive operatively couples to the boat trolley via a mulecoupled to the chain, the mule being movably coupled to one of the pairof track rails and configured to move between a first end position inthe garage and an opposite end position proximate the distal end of thetrack, the mule comprising a grabber armlet actuatable between anengaged position and a disengaged position, wherein in the engagedposition the grabber armlet is configured to couple with the boattrolley so that the mule can exert a force on the boat trolley to movethe boat trolley in the second or fourth directions, and wherein in thedisengaged position the grabber armlet is configured to decouple fromthe boat trolley to allow the mule to move independently of the boattrolley.

Clause 29: The system of any of clauses 25-28, wherein the mule furthercomprises one or more rechargeable batteries, a wireless transmitter, anelectronic actuator configured to operate the grabber armlet and one ormore proximity sensors configured to communicate with the controller,the controller configured to operate the drive system to stop movementof the boat trolley when the proximity sensors sense an obstruction onthe track.

Clause 30: The system of any of clauses 25-29, further comprising aninductive power transmitter disposed in or near the garage, theinductive power transmitter configured to charge the one or morerechargeable batteries of the mule when the mule is at or near the firstend position in the garage.

Clause 31: The system of any of clauses 25-30, wherein the mule furthercomprises one or more rechargeable batteries, a wireless transmitter, anelectronic actuator configured to operate the grabber armlet, and theboat trolley comprises one or more proximity sensors configured toreceive power from the one or more rechargeable batteries when the muleis coupled to the boat trolley, the one or more proximity sensorsconfigured to communicate with the controller, the controller configuredto operate the drive system to stop movement of the boat trolley whenthe proximity sensors sense an obstruction on the track.

Clause 32: The system of any of clauses 25-31, further comprising alocking mechanism configured to selectively lock the track to theplatform when the track rails are substantially aligned with theplatform rails to facilitate movement of the boat trolley between thetrack and the platform, the locking mechanism comprising one or morepins actuatable between a retracted position in which the platform isdecoupled from the track and an extended position in which the platformis coupled to the track.

Clause 33: The system of any of clauses 25-32, wherein the lift assemblycomprises a platform drive assembly comprising a motor operativelycoupled to a platform chain drive having a drive sprocket proximate afirst location on the platform track, a driven sprocket proximate asecond location on the platform track spaced from the first location,and a chain coupled to the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket, thechain operatively coupleable to the boat trolley when at least a portionof the boat trolley is on the platform and configured to move the boattrolley along the platform rails.

Clause 34: The system of any of clauses 25-33, wherein the chain of theplatform chain drive operatively couples to the boat trolley via aplatform mule coupled to the chain, the platform mule being movablycoupled to one of the pair of platform rails and configured to movebetween the first location and the second location on the platformtrack, the platform mule comprising a grabber armlet actuatable betweenan engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein in the engagedposition the grabber armlet is configured to couple with the boattrolley so that the platform mule can exert a force on the boat trolleyto move the boat trolley, and wherein in the disengaged position thegrabber armlet is configured to decouple from the boat trolley to allowthe platform mule to move independently of the boat trolley.

Clause 35: The system of any of clauses 25-34, wherein the platform mulefurther comprises a wireless transmitter, an electronic actuatorconfigured to operate the grabber armlet and one or more proximitysensors configured to communicate with the controller, the controllerconfigured to operate the platform drive assembly to stop movement ofthe boat trolley when the proximity sensors sense an obstruction on theplatform track.

Clause 36: The system of any of clauses 25-35, wherein the controllercomprises a wireless transceiver, the controller configured tocommunicate wirelessly with a remote control to operate one or both ofthe motion of the boat trolley and a garage door of the boat garage.

Clause 37: The system of any of clauses 25-36, wherein the remotecontrol is a mobile electronic device.

While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, theseembodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are notintended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel methodsand systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of otherforms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in thesystems and methods described herein may be made without departing fromthe spirit of the disclosure. The accompanying claims and theirequivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as wouldfall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, thescope of the present inventions is defined only by reference to theappended claims.

Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunctionwith a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood tobe applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described inthis section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatibletherewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification(including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or allof the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined inany combination, except combinations where at least some of suchfeatures and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is notrestricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The protectionextends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the featuresdisclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims,abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination,of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure inthe context of separate implementations can also be implemented incombination in a single implementation. Conversely, various featuresthat are described in the context of a single implementation can also beimplemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitablesubcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above asacting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimedcombination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and thecombination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of asubcombination.

Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or describedin the specification in a particular order, such operations need not beperformed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or thatall operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Otheroperations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in theexample methods and processes. For example, one or more additionaloperations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or betweenany of the described operations. Further, the operations may berearranged or reordered in other implementations. Those skilled in theart will appreciate that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken inthe processes illustrated and/or disclosed may differ from those shownin the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the stepsdescribed above may be removed, others may be added. Furthermore, thefeatures and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above maybe combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all ofwhich fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, theseparation of various system components in the implementations describedabove should not be understood as requiring such separation in allimplementations, and it should be understood that the describedcomponents and systems can generally be integrated together in a singleproduct or packaged into multiple products.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, routines, andalgorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosedherein can be implemented as electronic hardware (e.g., ASICs or FPGAdevices), computer software that runs on computer hardware, orcombinations of both. Moreover, the various illustrative logical blocksand modules described in connection with the embodiments disclosedherein can be implemented or performed by a machine, such as a processordevice, a digital signal processor (“DSP”), an application specificintegrated circuit (“ASIC”), a field programmable gate array (“FPGA”) orother programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic,discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed toperform the functions described herein. A processor device can be amicroprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor device can be acontroller, microcontroller, or state machine, combinations of the same,or the like. A processor device can include electrical circuitryconfigured to process computer-executable instructions. In anotherembodiment, a processor device includes an FPGA or other programmabledevice that performs logic operations without processingcomputer-executable instructions. A processor device can also beimplemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combinationof a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one ormore microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other suchconfiguration. Although described herein primarily with respect todigital technology, a processor device may also include primarily analogcomponents. For example, some or all of the rendering techniquesdescribed herein may be implemented in analog circuitry or mixed analogand digital circuitry. A computing environment can include any type ofcomputer system, including, but not limited to, a computer system basedon a microprocessor, a mainframe computer, a digital signal processor, aportable computing device, a device controller, or a computationalengine within an appliance, to name a few.

The elements of a method, process, routine, or algorithm described inconnection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be embodieddirectly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processordevice, or in a combination of the two. A software module can reside inRAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory,registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium. An exemplary storagemedium can be coupled to the processor device such that the processordevice can read information from, and write information to, the storagemedium. In the alternative, the storage medium can be integral to theprocessor device. The processor device and the storage medium can residein an ASIC. The ASIC can reside in a user terminal. In the alternative,the processor device and the storage medium can reside as discretecomponents in a user terminal. The computer devices discussed herein mayoptionally include displays, user input devices (e.g., touchscreen,keyboard, mouse, voice recognition, etc.), network interfaces, cameras,microphones, and/or the like.

While the phrase “click” or similar phrases may be used with respect toa user selecting a control, menu selection, or the like, other userinputs may be used, such as voice commands, text entry, gestures, etc.User inputs may, by way of example, be provided via an interface, suchas via text fields, wherein a user enters text, and/or via a menuselection (e.g., a drop down menu, a list or other arrangement via whichthe user can check via a check box or otherwise make a selection orselections, a group of individually selectable icons, etc.). When theuser provides an input or activates a control, a corresponding computingsystem may perform the corresponding operation. Some or all of the data,inputs and instructions provided by a user may optionally be stored in asystem data store (e.g., a database), from which the system may accessand retrieve such data, inputs, and instructions. Thenotifications/alerts and user interfaces described herein may beprovided via a Web page, a dedicated or non-dedicated mobile device(e.g., phone application), computer application, a short messagingservice message (e.g., SMS, MMS, etc.), instant messaging, email, pushnotification, audibly, a pop-up interface, and/or otherwise.

The user terminals described herein may be in the form of a mobilecommunication device (e.g., a cell phone), laptop, tablet computer,interactive television, game console, media streaming device,head-wearable display, networked watch, etc. The user terminals mayoptionally include displays, user input devices (e.g., touchscreen,keyboard, mouse, voice recognition, etc.), network interfaces, etc.

For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novelfeatures are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages maybe achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, forexample, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure maybe embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or agroup of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving otheradvantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unlessspecifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within thecontext as used, is generally intended to convey that certainembodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certainfeatures, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is notgenerally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are inany way required for one or more embodiments or that one or moreembodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without userinput or prompting, whether these features, elements, and/or steps areincluded or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,”unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with thecontext as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may beeither X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generallyintended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of atleast one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,”“about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent avalue, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, orcharacteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves adesired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”,“generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is withinless than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, withinless than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. Asanother example, in certain embodiments, the terms “generally parallel”and “substantially parallel” refer to a value, amount, or characteristicthat departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees,10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, or 0.1 degree.

The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by thespecific disclosures of preferred embodiments in this section orelsewhere in this specification, and may be defined by claims aspresented in this section or elsewhere in this specification or aspresented in the future. The language of the claims is to be interpretedbroadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited tothe examples described in the present specification or during theprosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed asnon-exclusive.

What is claimed is:
 1. An automated boat lift and trolley system formoving a boat between a boat garage and a dock, comprising: a trackcomprising a pair of track rails, the track configured to run from aproximal end within a boat garage and a distal end proximate a dock; aboat trolley configured to support a boat thereon, the boat trolleyhaving a set of wheels that movably couple the trolley to the pair oftrack rails; a lift assembly disposed at the dock, the lift assemblycomprising a platform spaced from the distal end of the track, theplatform having a pair of platform rails onto which the boat trolley ismoved from the track rails, the lift assembly operable to lower theplatform with the boat trolley and boat thereon to a lowered position tofacilitate removal of the boat from the boat trolley for use, the liftassembly operable to raise the platform with the boat trolley and boatthereon to a raised position, the pair of platform rails beingsubstantially aligned with the pair of track rails when the platform isin the raised position to facilitate movement of the boat trolleybetween the platform and the track; a drive assembly as least partiallydisposed in the garage and configured to drive the movement of the boattrolley along the track and between the track and the platform; and acontroller at least partially disposed in the garage, the controllerconfigured to automatically control operation of the drive assembly tomove the boat trolley along the track between the track and theplatform, and to control the lift assembly to lower the boat trolleywith the boat thereon to the lowered position based at least in part onthe sensed information communicated by one or more sensors to thecontroller.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the drive assemblycomprises a motor disposed in the garage, the motor operatively coupledto a track chain drive having a drive sprocket in or proximate thegarage, a driven sprocket at or proximate a distal end of the track, anda chain coupled to the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket, the chainoperatively coupled to the boat trolley, wherein operation of the motorto rotate an output shaft thereof in one direction causes the drive anddriven sprockets to rotate in a first direction and the chain to move ina second direction thereby causing the boat trolley to move in thesecond direction, and wherein operation of the motor to rotate theoutput shaft in an opposite direction causes the drive and drivensprockets to rotate in a third direction opposite the first directionand the chain to move in a fourth direction opposite the seconddirection thereby causing the boat trolley to move in the fourthdirection.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the chain of the trackchain drive operatively couples to the boat trolley via a mule coupledto the chain, the mule being movably coupled to one of the pair of trackrails and configured to move between a first end position in the garageand an opposite end position proximate the distal end of the track, themule comprising a grabber armlet actuatable between an engaged positionand a disengaged position, wherein in the engaged position the grabberarmlet is configured to couple with the boat trolley so that the mulecan exert a force on the boat trolley to move the boat trolley in thesecond or fourth directions, and wherein in the disengaged position thegrabber armlet is configured to decouple from the boat trolley to allowthe mule to move independently of the boat trolley.
 4. The system ofclaim 3, wherein the mule further comprises one or more rechargeablebatteries, a wireless transmitter, an electronic actuator configured tooperate the grabber armlet and one or more proximity sensors configuredto communicate with the controller, the controller configured to operatethe drive system to stop movement of the boat trolley when the proximitysensors sense an obstruction on the track.
 5. The system of claim 4,further comprising an inductive power transmitter disposed in or nearthe garage, the inductive power transmitter configured to charge the oneor more rechargeable batteries of the mule when the mule is at or nearthe first end position in the garage.
 6. The system of claim 3, whereinthe mule further comprises one or more rechargeable batteries, awireless transmitter, an electronic actuator configured to operate thegrabber armlet, and the boat trolley comprises one or more proximitysensors configured to receive power from the one or more rechargeablebatteries when the mule is coupled to the boat trolley, the one or moreproximity sensors configured to communicate with the controller, thecontroller configured to operate the drive system to stop movement ofthe boat trolley when the proximity sensors sense an obstruction on thetrack.
 7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanismconfigured to selectively lock the track to the platform when the trackrails are substantially aligned with the platform rails to facilitatemovement of the boat trolley between the track and the platform, thelocking mechanism comprising one or more pins actuatable between aretracted position in which the platform is decoupled from the track andan extended position in which the platform is coupled to the track. 8.The system of claim 1, wherein the lift assembly comprises a platformdrive assembly comprising a motor operatively coupled to a platformchain drive having a drive sprocket proximate a first location on theplatform track, a driven sprocket proximate a second location on theplatform track spaced from the first location, and a chain coupled tothe drive sprocket and the driven sprocket, the chain operativelycoupleable to the boat trolley when at least a portion of the boattrolley is on the platform and configured to move the boat trolley alongthe platform rails.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the chain of theplatform chain drive operatively couples to the boat trolley via aplatform mule coupled to the chain, the platform mule being movablycoupled to one of the pair of platform rails and configured to movebetween the first location and the second location on the platformtrack, the platform mule comprising a grabber armlet actuatable betweenan engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein in the engagedposition the grabber armlet is configured to couple with the boattrolley so that the platform mule can exert a force on the boat trolleyto move the boat trolley, and wherein in the disengaged position thegrabber armlet is configured to decouple from the boat trolley to allowthe platform mule to move independently of the boat trolley.
 10. Thesystem of claim 9, wherein the platform mule further comprises awireless transmitter, an electronic actuator configured to operate thegrabber armlet and one or more proximity sensors configured tocommunicate with the controller, the controller configured to operatethe platform drive assembly to stop movement of the boat trolley whenthe proximity sensors sense an obstruction on the platform track. 11.The system of claim 1, wherein the controller comprises a wirelesstransceiver, the controller configured to communicate wirelessly with aremote control to operate one or both of the motion of the boat trolleyand a garage door of the boat garage.
 12. The system of claim 11,wherein the remote control is a mobile electronic device.
 13. Anautomated boat lift and trolley system for moving a boat between a boatgarage and a dock, comprising: a track comprising a pair of track rails,the track configured to run from a proximal end within a boat garage anda distal end proximate a dock; a boat trolley configured to support aboat thereon, the boat trolley having a set of wheels that movablycouple the trolley to the pair of track rails; a drive assembly as leastpartially disposed in the garage and configured to drive the movement ofthe boat trolley along the track and between the track and a dock; and acontroller at least partially disposed in the garage, the controllerconfigured to automatically control operation of the drive assembly tomove the boat trolley along the track between the track and the dock.14. The system of claim 13, further comprising a lift assembly disposedat the dock, the lift assembly comprising a platform spaced from thedistal end of the track, the platform having a pair of platform railsonto which the boat trolley is moved from the track rails, the platformmovable between a raised position where the platform rails aresubstantially aligned with the track rails and a lowered position tofacilitate movement of the boat trolley between the track rails andplatform rails, the lift assembly being operable to lower the platformwith the boat trolley and boat thereon to the lowered position tofacilitate removal of the boat from the boat trolley for use, thecontroller configured to control the movement of the platform betweenthe lowered position and the raised position.
 15. The system of claim13, wherein the drive assembly comprises a motor disposed in the garage,the motor operatively coupled to a track chain drive having a drivesprocket in or proximate the garage, a driven sprocket at or proximate adistal end of the track, and a chain coupled to the drive sprocket andthe driven sprocket, the chain operatively coupled to the boat trolley,wherein operation of the motor to rotate an output shaft thereof in onedirection causes the drive and driven sprockets to rotate in a firstdirection and the chain to move in a second direction thereby causingthe boat trolley to move in the second direction, and wherein operationof the motor to rotate the output shaft in an opposite direction causesthe drive and driven sprockets to rotate in a third direction oppositethe first direction and the chain to move in a fourth direction oppositethe second direction thereby causing the boat trolley to move in thefourth direction.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the chain of thetrack chain drive operatively couples to the boat trolley via a mulecoupled to the chain, the mule being movably coupled to one of the pairof track rails and configured to move between a first end position inthe garage and an opposite end position proximate the distal end of thetrack, the mule comprising a grabber armlet actuatable between anengaged position and a disengaged position, wherein in the engagedposition the grabber armlet is configured to couple with the boattrolley so that the mule can exert a force on the boat trolley to movethe boat trolley in the second or fourth directions, and wherein in thedisengaged position the grabber armlet is configured to decouple fromthe boat trolley to allow the mule to move independently of the boattrolley.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the mule further comprisesone or more rechargeable batteries, a wireless transmitter, anelectronic actuator configured to operate the grabber armlet and one ormore proximity sensors configured to communicate with the controller,the controller configured to operate the drive system to stop movementof the boat trolley when the proximity sensors sense an obstruction onthe track.
 18. The system of claim 17, further comprising an inductivepower transmitter disposed in or near the garage, the inductive powertransmitter configured to charge the one or more rechargeable batteriesof the mule when the mule is at or near the first end position in thegarage.
 19. The system of claim 16, wherein the mule further comprisesone or more rechargeable batteries, a wireless transmitter, anelectronic actuator configured to operate the grabber armlet, and theboat trolley comprises one or more proximity sensors configured toreceive power from the one or more rechargeable batteries when the muleis coupled to the boat trolley, the one or more proximity sensorsconfigured to communicate with the controller, the controller configuredto operate the drive system to stop movement of the boat trolley whenthe proximity sensors sense an obstruction on the track.
 20. The systemof claim 14, further comprising a locking mechanism configured toselectively lock the track to the platform when the track rails aresubstantially aligned with the platform rails to facilitate movement ofthe boat trolley between the track and the platform, the lockingmechanism comprising one or more pins actuatable between a retractedposition in which the platform is decoupled from the track and anextended position in which the platform is coupled to the track.
 21. Thesystem of claim 14, wherein the lift assembly comprises a platform driveassembly comprising a motor operatively coupled to a platform chaindrive having a drive sprocket proximate a first location on the platformtrack, a driven sprocket proximate a second location on the platformtrack spaced from the first location, and a chain coupled to the drivesprocket and the driven sprocket, the chain operatively coupleable tothe boat trolley when at least a portion of the boat trolley is on theplatform and configured to move the boat trolley along the platformrails.
 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the chain of the platformchain drive operatively couples to the boat trolley via a platform mulecoupled to the chain, the platform mule being movably coupled to one ofthe pair of platform rails and configured to move between the firstlocation and the second location on the platform track, the platformmule comprising a grabber armlet actuatable between an engaged positionand a disengaged position, wherein in the engaged position the grabberarmlet is configured to couple with the boat trolley so that theplatform mule can exert a force on the boat trolley to move the boattrolley, and wherein in the disengaged position the grabber armlet isconfigured to decouple from the boat trolley to allow the platform muleto move independently of the boat trolley.
 23. The system of claim 22,wherein the platform mule further comprises a wireless transmitter, anelectronic actuator configured to operate the grabber armlet and one ormore proximity sensors configured to communicate with the controller,the controller configured to operate the platform drive assembly to stopmovement of the boat trolley when the proximity sensors sense anobstruction on the platform track.
 24. The system of claim 13, whereinthe controller comprises a wireless transceiver, the controllerconfigured to communicate wirelessly with a remote control to operateone or both of the motion of the boat trolley and a garage door of theboat garage.
 25. The system of claim 24, wherein the remote control is amobile electronic device.